Smokeless Tobacco: Profiling Sachets and Pattern of Use among Low Socioeconomic Population of Puducherry

BACKGROUND Tobacco consumption is highest among labor classes and low socioeconomic status (SES), with inclination toward smokeless tobacco (SLT). AIM The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of SLT consumption with secondary objective to profile various sachets of SLT most commonly sold in the study setting. SETTING AND DESIGN A cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted in rural Puducherry. MATERIALS AND METHODS A self-interviewed structured questionnaire was administered to 150 participants from two villages. Data on education, occupation, and income were collected with details in the form of tobacco consumed, duration of habit, daily consumption, and brand of SLT among other things. Profiling of sachets was done with manufacturing date, date of expiry, presence and absence of warning signs, and name of the manufacturer as parameter. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Descriptive analysis was done for frequency distribution and Chi-square test for proportions. RESULTS The overall prevalence of SLT was 44% with women consuming more than males. 41-50-year-old were highest users of SLT. More than 50% of the participants were unaware of the "pictorial warnings" and 65% did not know about the presence of "contents" on sachets. Pan masala with tobacco was the most preferred form. Only 5 of the 23 commercial brands of sachets had both "pictorial and readable warnings" printed. CONCLUSION The prevalence of STC was high when compared to the general population. Steps need to be taken to address the adverse effects printed on sachets for low SES populations. The printed warnings need to be inspected regularly. Dual tobacco use is a new addition to the existing list of challenges.