title: Sociodemographic Correlates of Tobacco Consumption in Rural Gujarat, India.
abstract: Background. The purpose of this study was to examine occupation-, education-, and gender-specific patterns of tobacco use and knowledge of its health effects among 23,953 rural Asian Indians ≥18 years in Gujarat. Methodology. A statewide, community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in 26 districts of Gujarat (December 2010-May 2015), using face-to-face interviews by trained community health workers called SEVAKS. Results. Mean age was 39.8 ± 15.2 years. Eighteen percent of respondents used tobacco in various forms. Tobacco consumption was significantly higher among males (32%), 18-34 years' age group (35%), those who were self-employed (72%), and those with elementary education (40%). The prevalence was 11 times higher among males than females (95% CI = 9.78, 13.13). Adjusted ORs for tobacco use showed strong gradient by age and educational level; consumption was lower among the illiterates and higher for older participants (≥55 years). Tobacco consumption also varied by occupation; that is, those who were self-employed and employed for wages were more likely to use tobacco than those who were unemployed. Knowledge of health effects of tobacco lowered the odds of consumption by 30-40%. Conclusions. Effective educational programs should be tailored by gender, to improve knowledge of health risks and dispel myths on perceived benefits of tobacco.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, 3313A, Morgantown, WV 26506-9190, USA.
authors.forename: Payal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kahar
authors.affiliation: Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, 3313A, Morgantown, WV 26506-9190, USA.
authors.forename: Ranjita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Misra
authors.affiliation: Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, 3313A, Morgantown, WV 26506-9190, USA.
authors.forename: Thakor G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D064424:Tobacco Use / Q000453:epidemiology*; D062789:Tobacco Products