Prevalence, regional patterns and socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India: A secondary data analysis

Bantwal, Priyanka ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7710-5233, Kulkarni, Muralidhar M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3588-2165, Kamath, Veena G ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3319-3075, Naik, Ashwath K ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2443-4092, Fogarty, Andrew W ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9426-977X, Dhar, Murali ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8836-2433 and Ahankari, Anand S ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8695-8938 (2024) Prevalence, regional patterns and socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India: A secondary data analysis. PLOS Global Public Health, 4 (3). e0002999.

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Abstract

Background Tobacco use is associated with early, intermediate and long-term complications throughout the life course. With an influx of newer products containing nicotine, poly-tobacco use is slowly emerging as a public health concern, that is defined as existing tobacco users currently using two or more tobacco or nicotine products. While many studies have investigated single use tobacco, there is a paucity of research on regional patterns and socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India. Objectives To assess prevalence of poly-tobacco use and determine the socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use in India. Methods Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 (GATS, 2016–17) was analysed, which included information on tobacco use among people aged >15 years. The pattern of current tobacco status was described using descriptive statistics. Multiple logistic regression models were estimated to determine factors associated with poly-tobacco use. Results The prevalence of poly-tobacco use in India was found to be 9.8%. Among the current tobacco users, the prevalence was 33%. Significant socio-demographic factors associated with poly-tobacco use included younger age, male gender, religion and backward caste. North-eastern region reported highest prevalence of poly-tobacco use in the country, followed by the central region. Conclusion The number of poly-tobacco users in India is considerably high and a matter of concern, more so in north east and central regions of the country. There is a need to create awareness about dangerous effects of all types of tobacco products and strengthen implementation of tobacco control policies with special focus on regions with high burden.