Respiratory and oral morbidity in Tobacco consuming youth of North India.

Dr. Vikas Yadav; Dr. Vibha; Dr. Akhil D. Goel; Dr. Deepti Dabar; Dr. Mahendra Singh; Dr. Santosh Kumar

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2018

Respiratory and oral morbidity in Tobacco consuming youth of North India.

Dr. Vikas Yadav, Dr. Vibha, Dr. Akhil D. Goel, Dr. Deepti Dabar, Dr. Mahendra Singh, Dr. Santosh Kumar

Abstract :

Background:

India is facing a high burden of tobacco related diseases with 1/5th of tobacco attributable deaths occurring in India. The current study assess tobacco use and related morbidity In Indian youth.

Methods:

This cross–sectional study assessed tobacco use and related morbidity using a semi–structured interview schedule, clinical examination and peaked expiratory flow volume in 811 young males in Kalyanpuri, New Delhi, India.

Results:

Prevalence of tobacco ever–use 31.3%, with 39.6% consuming smokeless tobacco, 32.9% consuming smokeless with smoking forms and 27.6% only smoking forms. Current tobacco users had significantly higher proportion of dry cough, productive cough, morning cough, dyspnoea, fever, body–ache, heart burn, teeth discoloration and dental cavities. PEFR was significantly higher in tobacco users.

Conclusion:

This study shows high prevalence of tobacco use and related morbidities. There is a need to address this as a public health priority and design innovative intervention strategies to discourage rampant tobacco use.