Tobacco consumption patterns amongst recruits at a training centre

Abstract

Background: Approximately 3 million premature deaths occur every year due to tobacco. Gaps were observed in the scientific knowledge about tobacco consumption practices among armed forces personnel in our country. Keeping in view the paucity of studies in this field workers chose to undertake the present study.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among service personnel across a training centre to determine prevalence of tobacco consumption. The sample size was calculated to estimate 95% confidence interval for prevalence of tobacco consumption with 5% absolute precision. The minimum sample size was calculated to be 250, however, 285 personnel were included in the study. “Personal interview technique” was used for data and standard statistical methods were utilized for data analysis.Results: The mean age (standard deviation) of the study subjects was 20.80 years (1.23). The overall prevalence of currently using tobacco in any form was 9.82%, mean (SD) of number of years of tobacco use was 2.33 years (1.27). Mean (SD) of number of cigarettes/bidis smoked per day was 7.52 (6.71). Average amount spent on tobacco consumption per month was Rs310.95 (2.42% of monthly salary). The commonest reasons for smoking is peer pressure, to relax and feel like hero.Conclusions: Our study has helped to fill in the existing gaps in the scientific knowledge about tobacco consumption practices among armed forces personnel in our country.