Tobacco use among women in India: Prevalence, health risks, media cessation and quitting

Abstract

Tobacco is deeply entrenched in space and time and usually escapes public scrutiny. This product gained rapid popularity in Europe and was later popularized in colonies by colonialists. India could not escape its clutches, and millions of Indians became compulsive users. The use of tobacco by women has always been a burning topic of discussion among academics, health workers, communities, and societies. The document begins by providing a concise introduction to tobacco, analysing its prevalence among women in India, examining the health outcomes, emphasizing the significant complications and health issues faced by female tobacco users, exploring the impact of popular culture on tobacco usage, and presenting existing resources and techniques for quitting and rehabilitation. Findings from the nationally representative Global Adult Tobacco Survey, India, 2016-17, have been sourced and relied upon. Graphs and maps are designed using MS Excel 2019 and Arc GIS 10.7.1, respectively. The latest survey round indicates a decline in tobacco consumption. However, the consumption of smokeless tobacco continues to be widespread. There is a need for media regulation concerning its promotion. Encouraging individuals to attempt cessation through various methods is crucial. The study concludes that tobacco consumption varies geographically and has multiple facets associated with its usage.