International Journal of Medicine Research

Authors
Showkat Ahmad Khan, Fozia Nazir, Uroosa Farooq Allaqband

Abstract
Background: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and is estimated to kill more than 5 million people each year worldwide. Tobacco use is higher in middle-income countries than in low- or high-income countries, and in all income groups is higher among men than women. Men in lower middle-income countries have the highest smoking prevalence at 39%, followed by men in upper-middle-income countries (35%). Among women, there are relatively higher rates (around 15%) in upper-middle and high-income countries, and considerably lower rates (between 2-4%) in low- and lower-middle income countries. Material and Methods: The study was a population based cross sectional survey conducted among residents of 25-64 years old in rural area of Kashmir Valley. WHO STEP wise approach was utilized for conducting the study. A multistage cluster sampling design was used. Results: The overall prevalence of tobacco abuse was 28.85% in the respondents. The prevalence of ex-smokers was 6.98%. Among males 56.79% participants were reported as current smokers and 8.33% as ex-smokers. However among females only 14.62% were reported as current smokers and 6.29% as ex-smokers. The percentage of tobacco abuse was highest (53.20%) in 55-64 years age group. It was seen that out of the total tobacco abusers maximum (36.21% and 31.30%) were having just primary level of education or were illiterates respectively. Whereas in contrary to this tobacco abuse was found lower in study participants who had good educational level. Only 19.21%of graduates were consuming tobacco and there was not a single person of post graduate level who was consuming tobacco. It can be seen that with increasing level of educational status there was decrease in tobacco abuse and the association between tobacco abuse and level of education was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: A sample size of 960 was derived in that 324 respondents were males and 636 females; majority of the participants were married, illiterate, in the age group of 35 - 44 years, females engaged in household work, males as skilled workers. This study found a high burden of major risk factor of non-communicable diseases with 14.62% smokers.