Work

Understanding the burden of smokeless tobacco use in rural India: patterns, motivations, and public health implications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background The use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) is a major public health problem in India, particularly in rural areas, where it is accepted and easily accessible due to a lack of awareness. Despite government initiatives to control tobacco use, SLT is a cause of serious illness and death. Aim This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, patterns, and socio-demographic determinants of smokeless tobacco use in rural India using data from Longitudinal Survey on Addictive Influences (LSAI). Materials and methods A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out using secondary data from the LSAI dataset. Rural participants aged ≥18 years were included. Age, gender, education, occupation, socioeconomic status, and the type and frequency of SLT usage were among the variables examined. Descriptive statistics were used to find prevalence and patterns, whereas chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to find the determinants associated with SLT use. Results Among the rural population, the use of smokeless tobacco was found to be highly prevalent, with men using it much more frequently than women. The two most frequently consumed forms of SLT were Gutkha and Khaini. There were statistically significant associations between the use of SLT and age, gender, education, and socioeconomic status ( p < 0.05). Individuals with lower levels of education and those who were manual laborers had a higher chance of using SLT. Early initiation and daily use patterns were common, indicating strong dependence. Conclusion In rural India, the use of smokeless tobacco is still prevalent, and the main contributing factors are the inequalities in socioeconomic status and education. The use of SLT and the health risks associated with it should be decreased by public health interventions, which should include education and stricter enforcement of tobacco control laws.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1850268

Authors: Sweta Kale Pisulkar, Sonali Choudhari, Shruti Deshmukh

Institution: Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research

Language: English

Topic: Smoking Behavior and Cessation

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801