Tobacco use pattern and quitting behaviour among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from a pan India online survey

Abstract

Background Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have a definite role in tobacco control and can help immensely by setting examples. The current study aimed to study the tobacco use pattern and quitting behaviour among HCPs of India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We addressed the research objective using a cross-sectional, anonymous online survey using ‘google form” among 687 HCPs of India during December 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS. Results Overall, 32.6% of the HCPs were ever tobacco user while 23.4% and 16.9% were current and daily tobacco user. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 51.7% and 43.1% of HCPs cut down the frequency and amount of tobacco use respectively while for 24.1% COVID-19 pandemic exerted no effect on their tobacco use. Presence of vulnerable population at home [ adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 17.5 (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.3–92.2)], ever tobacco quit attempt [AOR: 13.5 (95% CI:2.7–67.7)] and history of COVID-19 disease [AOR: 5.1 (95% CI:1.3–20.7)] significantly determined reduced tobacco use (60.3%) during the pandemic. Similarly, reduced tobacco use during the pandemic [AOR: 4.8 (95% CI:1.7–13.5)] and perception of both smoking and smokeless tobacco form to be harmful for COVID-19 [AOR: 4.8 (95% CI:1.7–13.5)] were the independent correlates of tobacco quit attempt (50.0%) during the pandemic. Conclusion Tobacco use was quite rampant among the HCPs with every fourth and sixth being a current and daily tobacco user respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic three in every five HCPs surveyed reduced tobacco use while every second HCP made a quit attempt.

Tobacco product use and the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19: current understanding and recommendations for future research

“…The proportion of adolescents and young adults quitting or attempting to quit ranged from about 7% to 30%, 49 , 50 , 66 , 78 and the proportion of adults ranged from 1·1% to 50%. 46 , 47 , 48 , 53 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 Furthermore, some studies showed that men were less likely than women to stop using cigarettes or e-cigarettes during the pandemic; 54 , 58 , 80 however, other studies showed that men were more likely than women to quit tobacco use. 69 Some of the same studies showed that alcohol use increased and physical activity decreased during the pandemic, 50 , 61 , 76 , 82 , 83 , 84 although others have reported declines in alcohol use.…”

“… 45 , 47 , 52 , 77 , 86 , 87 Such perceived risk of infection or disease severity, or concern over lung health more generally, was associated with reduced tobacco use. 49 , 79 , 80 , 86 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 Additional reasons for reduced tobacco use included wanting to help others who might have COVID-19; 88 concerns that parents might learn about their use; 49 and closure of bars and pubs, suspension of classes, and reduced socialising with friends. 52 Those with chronic illness were also more likely to reduce tobacco use during the pandemic.…”

Factors associated with cessation of smoking in health professionals: a scoping review

“…A single study examined knowledge of smoking and smokeless tobacco form (i.e. chewing tobacco) to be harmful for COVID-19 and found a positive association in doctors and nurses in India [ 54 ].…”

The knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of hospital nurses on smoking cessation interventions: a cross-sectional study

“…According to US Centers for Disease Control data, 25% of nurses worldwide consume tobacco products. Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic indicated that a high percentage of nurses consumed tobacco, alcohol or other substances due to anxiety, stress and the effect of the pandemic [ 20 , 21 ]. In 2019, Nilan et al published a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of tobacco use in healthcare workers.…”