Pattern of tobacco use and its correlates among older adults in India

Abstract

Purpose: We examined tobacco use pattern and its correlates among older adults. Materials and Methods: We used data of 9,852 older adults (>=60 years) (men 47% mean age 68 years) collected by the United Nations Population Fund on Ageing from seven Indian states. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlates of tobacco use. Results: Current use of any form of tobacco was reported by 27.8% (men 37.9%, women 18.8%); 9.2% reported only smoking tobacco, 16.9% smokeless tobacco only and 1.7% used both forms. Alcohol users (OR:5.20, 95% CI:4.06-6.66), men (OR:2.92, CI :2.71-3.47), those reporting lower income (OR:2.74, CI:2.16-3.46), rural residents (OR 1.34, CI 1.17-1.54) and lower castes (OR:1.29, CI:1.13-1.47) were more likely to use any form of tobacco compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: Tobacco cessation interventions are warranted in this population focusing on alcohol users, men, those from lower income, rural residents and those belonging to a lower caste.