Adult Tobacco Use in India

Chaitali Mandal, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Tobacco use has been deeply rooted in the cultural and social fabric of India for centuries. The widespread use of tobacco in modern India has brought severe health consequences, leading to a significant public health challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the trends in prevalence and social determinants of adult (15 years and above) tobacco consumption in India by analyzing data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). Results indicate a notable decline in overall tobacco use from 34.6% in 2009-10 to 23% in 2019-21, with variations observed among gender and states. While men witnessed a decrease from 47.9% to 38.1%, women showed a substantial drop from 20.3% to 9%. Certain states, like Mizoram and Tripura, exhibited persistent high prevalence. Demographic cohorts, including rural populations, individuals aged 35 and above, divorced individuals, and those with lower education levels, presented challenges to the overall decline. This decline in tobacco use definitely shows some positive signs for tobacco prevention and cessation programs in India, however, achieving a tobacco-free nation remains distant. An umbrella framework with state-specific, target-based and milestone-driven action plan, can be created under the purview of Digital India Program. Keywords: Tobacco, Adults, India

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Health and Morbidity, Population, Shocks and Pandemics, Spatial Demography

See extended abstract.