Background:In
2016, India estimated about 2.8 million tuberculosis (TB) cases (Global TB
Report 2017) and about 267 million adults (>15years) in India using tobacco
in any form (GATS 2017). Tobacco is one of the important drivers of TB
epidemic. The Union South East Asia office just concluded the Endline
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey on TB across 30 districts in
India among various stakeholders including TB patients. As part of the survey, TB patient's tobacco
use was also captured.
Methods:The Endline KAP survey methodology was similar to the previous surveys
(midline in 2013 and baseline in 2011) except for data captured digitally in endline and paper based in previous surveys. Briefly, the survey was conducted
as part of a large Global Fund supported TB project “Axshya” being implemented
across 300 districts. 30 districts were selected using systematic random
sampling and from each district 10 primary sampling units were selected
randomly. The data was collected during October-November 2017. The survey
identified about 307 self-reported TB patients. Pre-tested questionnaires were used after obtaining patient consent
Results:The
overall tobacco users in Endline were 34% (N=103/307) and in Midline 30% (N=135/496).
Among males, the proportion remained same about 43% in both the surveys,
however among women this increased marginally to 14% from 12%. Proportion of
those who smoke decreased from 37% in midline to 31% in endline. And the
proportion of those who use smokeless tobacco increased from 55% to 59%
respectively. Interestingly, proportion of men using smokeless tobacco increased
and that of women decreased. However
these differences are statistically not significant.
Conclusions:The
preliminary analysis shows proportion of tobacco users among TB patients is
marginally increased. Though the overall tobacco users in India decreased,
tobacco use among TB patients seems unchanged, indicating nothing significant has
been done for tobacco cessation among TB patients.
[Figure 1]