Current trends in consumption of smokeless tobacco products among women in selected rural areas - A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this cross-sectional analytical study was to evaluate the impact of smokeless tobacco (SLT) products' consumption on women's health in the selected rural areas. Methods: It was a cross-sectional rural-field area-based study in which randomly selected 500 women were asked to participate, out of which 205 women (who have completed 27 years of age with two pregnancies in life time) were selected and given a self-administered pretested in propria persona questionnaire using an objective sampling technique in 3 months. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version-22 was used to analyze the data presented in a graphical and tabular format. Results: Among the 205 respondents, majority (73.17%) were homemakers, while 26.35% were service holders. According to the findings, SLT with betel quid has been used by 52.6% of rural women for more than 5 years. In addition, during the past 5 years, 36.6%, 48.4%, and 38.8% of SLT used tobacco zarda, plain tobacco, and khaini. 40% of the respondents said that they use SLT for the pleasure of it. There was a significant association between occupation and regular use of SLT (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Finally, despite the severe effects and consequences of using SLT, the general people, particularly women in rural areas, are unaware of its negative consequences, and its use remains unrestricted today, which is unfortunate. Approximately 63% of users were homemakers, according to this cross-sectional survey. To limit the use of SLT, a very robust comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system must be implemented at both national and international levels. Finally, it was discovered that rural women predominantly use SLT made from betel leaves, which is hazardous to both general and oral health.