Statistics of Tobacco Smoking Consumption in India

Tobacco consumption kills more than 8 million people every year!

And 1.3 million non-smokers die due to tobacco.

Yes, you heard it right. Non-smokers, too, are at risk of dying due to tobacco.

Why? Because they passively consume smoke released by smokers.

Imagine the potency of tobacco if second-hand smoke alone can kill 1.3 million people. With that in mind, let’s delve into some astonishing (maybe terrifying) tobacco statistics in India.

How lethal is tobacco consumption in India?

Did you know that tobacco consumption in India contributes to 9.5% of total deaths per year?

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) conducted in 2016–17, 28.6% is the smoking percentage in India’s adult population.

India has 2 forms of tobacco consumption: smoking and smokeless tobacco, out of which smoking tobacco use is 10.38% and smokeless tobacco use is 21.38%. Smoking tobacco comprises bidis, a cheap, hand-rolled cigarette with a tendu or sal leaf wrapper. Smokeless tobacco includes a diverse range of products, including khaini, gutkha (a mixture of tobacco, betel nut, and other ingredients), betel quid with tobacco, and zarda.

While there is a misconception about smokeless tobacco that it is less harmful than the conventional method of smoking, this cannot be further away from the truth. Smoking or smokeless, both forms of consumption, are equally dangerous and lethal, leading to oral cancer and many other heart problems.

All of these are scary stats. With such concerning stats in play, the looming threat cannot be ignored.

Gender, Economic, and Demographic factors at play:

The level of tobacco consumption varies based on many factors. Let’s explore some of the common factors at play.

1. Geographic disparity: The men in rural areas (42.7%)  consume more tobacco than people in urban areas (28%).

2. Gender disparity: Smoking is often considered a masculine habit in India. Additionally, men have more access to products than their female counterparts. Even tobacco companies market their products to favor the male perspective. Thus, men are more prone to gaining tobacco habits than females. And the statistics suggest the same. Out of tobacco smokers in India, 42.4% are men and 14.2% are females.

1. Socio-economic factors: People from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more susceptible to becoming prone to tobacco addiction due to a variety of reasons. Tobacco is often seen as a stress-coping mechanism among the masses. Since it is easily affordable for people with limited resources, tobacco is often seen as a way to handle economic stress. 

The devastating impact of tobacco use:

Raising awareness among the people of risk factors associated with tobacco can help reduce smokers. In India, the lack of understanding is one of the major reasons behind such prominent usage. So, in this section, we will talk about some of the common health problems smokers face:

1. Cancer: Cancer is a deadly disease that is caused by tobacco smoking. Oral and lung cancers are most frequently found in smokers.

2. Heart disease: Tobacco smokers are at high risk of acquiring cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and so on.

3. Respiratory problems: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is most commonly prevalent among smokers.

These are just primary health concerns; when it comes to cancer, it also results in a weakened immune system. When your immunity is down, your risk of getting secondary infections such as lung infections and so on is also possible.

The fight against tobacco:

The government of India has identified the dangers that tobacco poses to our country and has taken several measures to eradicate it. From screening a short film about real-life health problems faced by real people before movies to running awareness campaigns, the Government has been proactive in eliminating tobacco from our society.

Some of the major initiatives by the Government of India are as follows:

1. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, regulates the sale, production, and consumption of tobacco, including the printing of graphic health warnings and the banning of tobacco product marketing.

2. National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP): This involves conducting awareness programs to inform the public about the hazards of tobacco smoking.

Individual responsibility:

While the Government and many NGOs are proactively working towards bringing a stop to tobacco consumption, without every individual’s contribution, this will not be successful. Everyone should be aware of the health hazards associated with smoking and make a conscious effort not to indulge in such habits.

If anyone you know is a chronic tobacco user, then urging them to seek professional help and helping them recover is a must.

Conclusion:

The fight against tobacco is ongoing, but with a collaborative effort from the Government, individuals, medical professionals, and media outlets, we can win this fight.

Quitting this toxic habit is never too late. Imagine a cough-free day without shortness of breath and the extra energy you have to spend time with your loved ones. Quitting smoking is an investment towards a better future. 

Even a slight probability of recovery from tobacco is a massive victory. Let us quit this toxic habit, encourage others to do the same, educate people of its hazards, and progress towards a smoke-free society.

FAQs:

1. I use smokeless tobacco like gutkha. Is it as harmful as smoking cigarettes?

Smokeless tobacco is equally harmful as smoking tobacco. Both share the same health hazards and can lead to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and so on.

2. I am an occasional smoker; will it still be harmful to me?

There is no safe limit when it comes to smoking; even small amounts can amount to big health complications. Thus, avoid smoking as much as possible to live a healthier and happier life.

3. I have been smoking for some time; if I quit, will I be able to recover?

There are 28.6 percentage of smokers in India. Many have quitted and started living a healthy life. The human body has the remarkable ability to heal and nurture, so quitting can help you. From short-term benefits like an improved sense of smell and taste to long-term benefits like reduced risk of cancer development, quitting can improve your life in many ways.