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World No Tobacco Day 2014: How bad is the tobacco situation in India?

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Written By: Agencies | Updated : May 31, 2014 9:49 AM IST

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WAR-ON-TOBACCOMay 31 is World No Tobacco Day.

31th May is observed as World No Tobacco Day. Tobacco consumption has become a major public health issue and a social problem worldwide. World Health Organization(WHO) estimates that in India, the deaths attributed to tobacco, are expected to rise from 1.4% of all deaths in 1990 to 13.3% by 2020.This year's theme is to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

An Abnormality Report by Indus Health Plus shows an increasing number of cancer cases and respiratory diseases among the population . In the report it was found that smoking increases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest

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Key Findings

  • Youngsters are more prone to cigarette smoking. Both men and women (men 25-30%, women 18-20%). 15% of these youngsters smoke because they follow this habit due to peer pressure.
  • Adolescents who started smoking developed bronchitis and chest congestion were 20-22%, 18% of these said that surroundings and company made them start smoking.
  • One fourth of the children surveyed were found to be chewing tobacco, while others smoked beedi and cigarettes.
  • Interestingly, 45% of the teenagers and those in the age group of 20-22yrs (male and female) are those who often use tobacco are those whose parents do not consume smoke or smokeless tobacco
  • 80 to 90 per cent of preventable cancers of the neck, head and throat are tobacco-related in Delhi. There is a huge burden of oral cancer in Delhi due to chewing tobacco. 25-30% of men smoke cigarette and chew tobacco while women from the semi urban strata, 15-20% chew tobacco out of which 8-10% smoke bidi or cigarette.
  • COPD cases amongst youngsters are prevalent in Delhi with 17-20% males and 10-15% females. These detections were found amongst those who smoke cigarettes heavily 9% of people who smoke are at higher risk of developing sudden cardiac arrest.
  • Tobacco users also found problem of sweating (18.7%), poor relations (14.9%) and habit of telling lie (11.2%). They also found much weaker with loss of appetite, followed by 15% having cold and cough problem, 12% fever/ body ache.
  • From the semi urban strata, both men and women from the age group of 30-40yrs consume khaini, gutkha, etc on a regular basis and therefore developing, and oral cancers. As per the study there is 12% risk of oral cancer among male and females while 8 -10% head and neck cancer risk was found
  • College students (girls) have taken up smoking thinking that it will help them reduce weight, 15-20% smoke 5-6 cigarette per day 25-30% of both males and females complained breathing problem (35-45yrs and above). 15% of these were frequent cigarettes smokers

Mr. Amol Naikawadi, Preventive Healthcare Specialist, Indus Health Plus says, ''The tobacco epidemic needs immediate attention. Passive smoking equally increases the risk of cancer, COPD and sudden cardiac arrest. Tobacco induced deaths and illnesses can be prevented, if one quits at the earliest. Today young boys and girls are indulging in this detrimental habit mostly as a fashion statement and falling to peer pressure. Educate and encourage younger generation towards its ill effects'

Mr Naikawadi also mentioned 'To encourage people to quit smoking, other than increasing the prices of tobacco, the rule of no public smoking should be strengthened and people should follow the same stringently. Tobacco increases the risk of multiple cancers, COPD and other chronic diseases. Therefore it is imperative to spread awareness amongst masses about the consequences of tobacco consumption. Self-realization would drive an individual from quitting tobacco and leading a healthy life'

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