PREVALANCE OF TOBACCO CONSUMPTION IN RURAL POPULATION OF PUDUCHERRY

Tobacco smoking has been associated with multiple health problems and is considered to be a preventable risk factor for six of the eight leading causes of morbidity and mortality at the global level. The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional research study was to assess the prevalence of tobacco consumption in rural population of Puducherry. A total of 255 rural populations were selected by using a multistage random sampling technique. Assessment of the smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption, awareness and knowledge regarding tobacco consumption were done by using a Modified GATS (Global Adults Tobacco Survey) questionnaire. The collected data were computerized and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics (distribution, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi square test).The result shows that the rural population 40 (15.7%) were consumed smoking tobacco and 36 (14.1%) were consumed smokeless tobacco. The factors influencing smoke and smokeless tobacco consumption were due to low socio economic status (11.6%), peer pressure (10.1%) and tobacco consumption habits of family members (7.8%). None of the demographic variables had shown statistically significant association with the prevalence of tobacco consumption.