Social determinants of tobacco consumption among Nepalese men: findings from Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2011

Abstract

BackgroundIn the 20th century, 100 million people across the globe lost their lives due to consumption of tobacco. Every year 15,000 deaths in Nepal are attributable to tobacco smoking and using other products of tobacco. This study aimed to establish the proportion and the social determinants of tobacco use among Nepalese men based on the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 2011.MethodsThis study used the NDHS 2011 data. The prevalence of cigarette smoking, other forms of tobacco 16 smoking and use of tobacco in any form is reported as a percentage (%). The significance of association of the statistically significant variables established using Chi-square test was further tested by using multiple logistic regression.ResultsOf the 4121 participants, the prevalence of consuming any form of tobacco was 51.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) (49.6%- 54.3%)]; chewing/sniffing tobacco was 34.8% (95% CI: 32.4%- 37.3%) and tobacco smoking was 33.6% (95% CI 31.3%-36.0%).Men with no education [Odds Ratio (OR) 3.477; 95% CI (2.380-5.080)], from an older age group (36–49) [OR 2.399; 95% CI (1.858-3.096)] who were from a manual occupation [OR 1.538; 95% CI (1.188-1.985)], who were married[OR 1.938; 95% CI ( 1.552-2.420)], and who were from the Terai region [OR 1.351; 95% CI (1.083-1.684)] were more likely to consume tobacco. Men who watched television at least once a week [OR 0.642; 95% CI (0.504-0.819)] were less likely to consume tobacco.ConclusionsThe current study showed that over half of Nepalese men consume tobacco. There is an urgent need to fully implement Nepal’s Tobacco Control and Regulation Act which will ban smoking in public places; enforced plain packaging and display of health warnings over 75% of the packaging, and has banned selling of tobacco products to those under 18 years of age. There is a need to increase the social unacceptability of tobacco in Nepal by raising awareness through different electronic and cultural media. Anti-tobacco campaigns should focus on those who are less educated, have manual occupations, are in poorer economic groups, and are from the Terai region of Nepal.

Tobacco Use Among Long Route Bus Drivers and Staffs of Dharan Eastern Nepal a KAP Study

“…[7], [12], [17], [18], [19] The prevalence of TC estimated by Kabir et al [6] on 2013 using the data of GYTS also varied widely to the result of current study (9.4% versus 96.3%).…”

“…Similarly, reasons for not quitting tobacco use being unaware of the adverse effects of its use, lack of information or methods of quitting, lack of motivation to quit and unsuccessful attempts.' [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15] Though there are no sufficient studies to support the notion, it is widely believed in Nepal that bus drivers and staffs are one of the high risk occupational groups for TC. Sreeramareddy et al [16] in 2011 concluded that prevalence of TC is significantly high in Nepalese people especially in Kathmandu valley and eastern regions.…”

“…The current study was conducted in Dharan, which is situated in eastern part of Nepal. Khanal et al [12] pointed out that lower education and manual work were more likely to be associated with TC. Furthermore, most of the helping staffs of the long route buses are male of young age group with low education level.…”

Perceived Benefits, Knowledge about Cancer and Attitude towards Promotion of Gutkha Amongst Gutkha users from Nepal

“…9,10 Gutkha possesses the carcinogenic poten al and oral th cancer in Nepal is listed amongst other cancers in 4 posi on nd (6.6%) in males of 15 -34 year age group, 2 in males of 35 - 19 64 year age group with 8% occurrence. It is within top eight cancers for both the sexes from 15 years and above thus it 19,20 has increased the burden of non-communicable diseases. The consump on of smokeless tobacco is widespread in 10 many countries and posing itself as an e ology of cancer.…”

Culture-bound addictions among low income workers of Karachi, Pakistan

“…10 Gutkha is a preparation of crushed areca nut, tobacco, catechu, paraffin wax, slaked lime and sweet or savoury flavourings that is used by placing a pinch of it between the gum and cheek and slowly sucking and chewing on it. 11 It has been found to be associated with oral cancer and other severe negative health effects besides being highly addictive and a known carcinogen. [12][13][14][15] People get addicted to it, as gutka is reported to have stimulant and relaxation effects.…”