Proportion and Pattern of Tobacco Use: A Study of its Determinants and Awareness Among Class Iv Workers of a Private Medical College in an Urban Area In South India - Abstract
Context: Tobacco consumption in all forms has been growing every year in India and these products are widely used by Class IV workers.
Aims: This study was done to find out the proportion, risk factors and patternof tobacco use and to assess awareness about its harmful effects among these workers.Settings and design: Cross-sectional study among class IV workers employed in hospitals and hostels of a private medical college.
Methods and material: Convenience sampling method was used for selecting participants. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule.Statistical analysis: Pearson’s Chi square test and multivariate analysis (logistic regression)
Results: Age of participants ranged from 23 to 58 years. Mean years of tobacco use was 14.3years (SD 8.6). Majority of the users 38 (61.3%) picked up the habit from their friends. Use of tobacco containing products was associated with marital status (OR=4.39, CI 1.77 to 10.9, P<0.001) and educational status (P=0.031). Only 96 (43.6%) participants knew at least one health hazard associated with tobacco use and 46 (20.9%) participants knew that it causes cancer. As many as 45 (72.6%) users continued to use tobacco products in spite of being aware of its harmful effects. Only 75 (34.1%) out of total participants knew that passive smoking was hazardous to health.
Conclusion: Awareness of health hazards was poor among class IV workers. Health education and counseling need to be implemented in those settings to bring about behavioral change among those workers.