Afghan frontier: understanding tobacco practices among migrant population in India
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1
Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, Public Health Dentistry, India
2
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, Pulmonology, India
Publication date: 2018-03-01
Tob. Induc. Dis. 2018;16(Suppl 1):A919
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ABSTRACT
Background:
According to the World Refugee
Survey by US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, migrants from Afghanistan
constitute the 4th largest group of migrants to India. No previous
studies have been conducted to assess the tobacco consumption status and pattern
among this migrant population. Hence the aim of our study was to understand the tobacco use
patterns and barriers among the migrant population from Afghanistan.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was
conducted among a convenience sample of 127 Afghan
tobacco users residing in Delhi, India in the month of June, 2017. A close-ended
self-administered validated questionnaire translated in Persian language was
circulated among Afghan tobacco users visiting local cafés and restaurants. The
questionnaire assessed their socio-demographic factors, tobacco use patterns and
barriers to tobacco cessation. Data was entered into digital
spreadsheets and descriptive inferences were drawn. (SPSS v.21)
Results:
A total of 127 male Afghan
tobacco users with mean age of 33.49 ± 11.97 years voluntarily completed the
questionnaire. Better work opportunities were the most common reason for
migration. Most of them (69%) smoked
tobacco and 15.5% only used Naswar. Half (52%) of the respondents continue to
use tobacco products manufactured in Afghanistan with 62% procuring the product
through social means (friends/family). Higher cost of tobacco products and
stringent law enforcements in India were common barriers to tobacco use.
Personal barriers to quitting included loss of social circle and fear of
withdrawal symptoms among the respondents. Strikingly, 93% were unaware about
the availability of local cessation services.
Conclusions:
Majority of the
Afghan respondents continue to use products manufactured in Afghanistan, probably
as an attempt to hold fast to their culture and social practices. Since most of
the respondents are unaware about the availability of cessation services,
attempts should be made to generate awareness and motivate them to quit.