SRDs are widely prevalent in India. Considering the health implications and poor awareness, there is a need to sensitize physicians and increase awareness among the public.

Subjective well-being, Positive affect, Life satisfaction, Socio-demographic, India,

Tobacco use among psychiatric patients in developing countries has not been well-investigated. To address this issue, we screened consecutive admissions to a major psychiatric hospital in southern India, and assessed the prevalence and correlates of tobacco use and nicotine dependence. Patients (n=988) provided information about their use of tobacco products, and participated in an interview that included the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence as well as measures of other substance use. Three hundred and fifty-one patients (36%) reported current tobacco use, with 227 (65% of all users) reporting moderate to severe nicotine dependence. Current tobacco use as well as nicotine dependence were associated with male gender, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and risk of other substance use problems. The cultural context of these findings, and the implications for tobacco control among psychiatric patients, are discussed.

Background:Alcohol is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally and in India. Information on quantum and pattern of consumption is crucial to formulate intervention programs.Objectives:To identify the extent and pattern of alcohol use in urban, rural, town and slum populations using a uniform methodology.Materials and Methods:Door-to-door survey was undertaken and simple random sampling methodology was adopted; households were the primary sampling unit. One respondent in each alcohol-user household was randomly chosen for detailed interview.Results:Overall, 13% of males and females consumed alcohol. Proportion of users was greater in town (15.7%) and among 26–45 years (67.4%). Whisky (49%) and arrack (35%) were the preferred types and the preferences differed between rural (arrack) and urban (beer) areas. Nearly half (45%) of rural population were very frequent users (consuming daily or every alternate-days) as against users in town (23%) or slum (20%). Two-thirds were long-term users and the proportions were greater in the rural and town areas. While, overall 17% of the users were heavy-users, frequent-heavy-drinking was more in slum and rural areas. Nearly two-thirds consumed alcohol in liquor-shops, restaurants, bars and pubs. Habituation and peer-pressure were the key reasons for alcohol use.Conclusions:The study documented alcohol use and patterns of use in four different communities particularly in transitional areas using similar methodology. Many of the patterns identified are detrimental to health both immediate and over the long period of time.

GYTS Karnataka has provided reliable estimates and shown the feasibility of implementing a surveillance programme. Specific challenges for Public health that emerge from the study are increasing number of users in transitional areas, continued media exposure, tobacco users being perceived to be popular and attractive, easy and relatively unrestricted access, lack of systematic support within schools and social acceptance of tobacco use at home. The need of the hour is to target and focus interventions through comprehensive programmes aimed at children, school authorities, parents and policy makers.