Prevalence Of Tobacco Consumption Among Rural Women In The Reproductive Age Group” – A Community Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and objectives ABSTRACT Tobacco is packed with harmful and addictive substances. Scientific evidence has shown conclusively that all forms of tobacco cause health problems throughout life, frequently resulting in death or disability. The epidemic of tobacco-related diseases has expanded from developed to developing countries and tobacco use is increasingly becoming a major health issue for women as well as men. Hence the present study was done to know the prevalence, patterns of tobacco consumption and socio-demographic and behavioral determinants associated with tobacco consumption among the rural women in the reproductive age group. Materials and Methods A community based cross sectional study, conducted from January 2011 to December 2011 among 1200 rural women aged between 15 years to 49 years residing in PHC Vantmuri area, Belgaum. After taking written informed consent, data regarding socio demographic variables and details regarding tobacco consumption was collected. Statistical analysis was done using chi square test. III Results Tobacco consumption was seen in 9.7% of the study participants with more than 80% of them using dentrifice form of tobacco. Majority ( 60% ) of women initiated tobacco use before the age of 18 years and were consuming it for more than 10 years duration. 4.3% was the overall quitting rate observed. A high prevalence of tobacco use was observed in elderly age groups, among illiterates, women working in the fields/ farms with p< 0.05 for all. A significant association of tobacco consumption with irregularity of menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhoea is noted in this study. An association was found between tobacco consumption and abnormal outcomes of pregnancies like spontaneous abortions, preterm deliveries and still births of 2nd, 3 Conclusion rd and 4 th pregnancies and low birth weight. Prevalence of tobacco consumption was 9.7%. Significant association was found between tobacco consumption and the irregularity of menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhoea. This study suggests that there is a need for appropriate intervention to create awareness among the women about the hazards of tobacco use and to stop tobacco consumption.