Factors initiating tobacco use, attitude and awareness among residents of the hill area of eastern region of Nepal

Abstract

Background

Tobacco use is considered a major public health hazard in the world. It is among the main preventable causes of untimely death, morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Objectives

To find out the association between factors initiating tobacco use and attitude towards tobacco use with awareness of tobacco consumption among residents of Dhankuta municipality.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Dhankuta Municipality where 205 households were taken as subjects. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the study subjects and face to face interview was conducted. Chi-square test was applied to find out the association between factors initiating tobacco use and attitude towards tobacco use with awareness of tobacco consumption among residents of Dhankuta municipality.

Results

People started consuming tobacco due to the presence of adult smokers in the family was seen more aware (13.6%) but the difference was not significant. The respondents those feel cut down tobacco use (10.6%) and feel guilty about their habit (10.6%) was seen more aware but the difference was not significant. The problem of tobacco consumption can be control by bann the production (50.5%), awareness program (41.5%) and behavior change (41.6%) was seen significantly more aware (P<0.05).

Conclusion

People started consuming tobacco due to the presence of adult smokers in the family, those feel cut down tobacco use and feel guilty about their habit was seen more aware but the difference was not significant. The problem of tobacco consumption can control by bann the production, awareness program and behavior change.