According to global smokeless tobacco report, use of smokeless tobacco is highest in India, with 25.9% overall prevalence. The data reveals that the prevalence is higher in men (32.9%) than in women (18.4%). Although the absolute levels were different, the patterns in India were similar to those observed in Bangladesh. Here are some key findings of the report:
- In India, prevalence was also lowest in the 15−24 age group (16.2%) and highest in those aged 65 years or above (33.7%).
- As in Bangladesh, rural adults in India had a higher prevalence (29.3%) than those living in urban areas (17.7%).
- By education, prevalence was more than twice as high in adults with no formal education (33.5%) as it was in adults with an education of secondary school or above (14.8%). (Read: Smoking hookahs in licensed premises legal, rules Supreme Court lifting the 3-year old ban)
- Prevalence was 33.1% among retired and unemployed adults, 32.5% among employed adults, and just 6.3% in students.
- By region, prevalence was highest (38%) in the East and lowest (7%) in the North.
- By state in India, prevalence ranged from 49% in Bihar to only 5% in Goa.
- In India, only 7.5% of adults chew betel quid with tobacco (18.1% of men, 5.0% of women). Other products used in India include khaini (11.8%), gutka (8.4%), and gul (4.9%). Men and adults from rural areas use these products at a higher rate than women and urban residents.
- Bangladeshi men initiate use 2 years earlier than women, while in India both men and women start at about age 20.
- The quit ratio is slightly higher (5.5%) in Bangladesh than in India (4.8%). (Read: Giving up the tobacco habit – a cancer survivor’s tale)
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