Discrepancies in Belief, Behavior And Knowledge Towards Tobacco Consumption

Abstract

Aim and objective: Tobacco consumption is a leading cause of death, associated with significant health hazards and comprising millions of lives worldwide. India is the third-largest consumer of tobacco in the world; in-spite of adequate control measures taken by the government to cease tobacco consumption. The objective of this review is to highlight the discrepancies in belief, behavior, and knowledge towards tobacco consumption in India. The study also aims to specify factors influencing trends of tobacco consumption and to associate the extent of their influence based on the user’s perception concerning the quality of life. Study design: Review of the literature. Methods: Authors undertook a literature search in the electronic databases EMBASE, Medline, and Scopus with regard to associated disease burden and factors influencing tobacco consumption. Results: According to the review, sociodemographic, economic, personal, environmental, and healthy life indicators are the most influential variables affecting tobacco consumption. This highlights the need for revisiting the tobacco control laws in India, addressing the existing barriers to have significant impacts on the tobacco picture of the country. Although at state-levels, a certain extent of success has been achieved; in-tranquil, national-level non-prioritization of tobaccocontrol still exists. The possible reason might be a lack of awareness about health hazards owing to tobacco use. Conclusion: This dictates to improve health outcomes among individuals by including effective interventions. In all, its mandate to map the current issue of harm reduction framework through research, education, awareness, and implementation of policies for improved quality of life and health.