Prevalence Of Tobacco Consumption Among Military Population : A Multicentric Study

Dr Rajiva; Dr PMP Singh; Dr Sukhmeet Minhas; Mr Dr Basannar

Volume : IX, Issue : V, May - 2020

Prevalence Of Tobacco Consumption Among Military Population : A Multicentric Study

Dr Rajiva, Dr Pmp Singh, Dr Sukhmeet Minhas, Mr Dr Basannar

Abstract :

ABSTRACT Background It was keeping in view the importance of tobacco consumption due to its role as a modifiable risk factor in various diseases, coupled with the lack of studies which have been done in this area, in the Armed Forces that the present study was taken. Materials And Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among service personnel across various training centres to determine prevalence of tobacco consumption. The study population comprises of recruits, recruits who passed out on completion of their training and service personnel who report to the training for their pension documentation, prior to proceeding on pension. Minimum sample size worked out on the basis of WHO guidelines was calculated as 354. In fact, an even higher sample of 913 was actually studied to further increase the precision of the study. The data was collected using "personal interview technique".The data was analysed using standard statistical methods. Results The overall prevalence of currently using tobacco in any form is 20.81% (95% CI :18%-23%).Prevalence of current smokers increased from younger age group to older age group. Difference was statistically significant. All subjects in all the three study strata could name at least one or two harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The commonest reason for smoking across all strata was to relax and get over the stress, wherein 175 (92.10%) out of 190 current smokers gave this reason. Discussion The increased prevalence of smoking with age as observed in our study could be because military culture facilitates smoking; increase in rank and consequent increase in pay and allowances with age; stress of military life, coupled with the stress of prolonged separation from family during field tenures. Recommendations The workers would like to recommend that more such studies be carried out across the country. Keeping in view the harmful effects of tobacco in any form, extensive health education should be carried out at all levels.