Is occupation the "driving force" for tobacco consumption? A cross-sectional study to assess prevalence, patterns, and attitude towards tobacco use among long-distance bus drivers and conductors in Western Maharashtra

Status and Determinants of Early Detection of Oral Premalignant and Malignant Lesions in India

It has been over four decades since the launch of the National Cancer Control Programme in India, yet the cancer screening rates for oral cancer remain unremarkable. Moreover, India is bracing a large burden of oral cancer with poor survival rates. An effective public health programme implementation relies on a multitude of factors related to cost-effective evidence-based interventions, the healthcare delivery system, public health human resource management, community behaviour, partnership with stakeholders, identifying opportunities and political commitment. In this context, we discuss the various challenges in the early detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions and potential solutions.

Exploring barriers of quitting smokeless tobacco among coronary artery disease patients of India: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Cessation of all forms of tobacco is necessary for controlling mortality associated with coronary artery diseases (CADs). In India, smokeless tobacco (SLT) is the most used form of tobacco. With around 60% of the world's smokeless tobacco users living in India, the task of tobacco cessation has become daunting and complicated for Indian researchers and policy makers.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted the present study to understand CAD patients' perspectives towards their SLT use and to identify barriers of SLT cessation.

METHODS

Using a semi-structured interview method, we obtained data from 12 CAD patients who were currently using some form of SLT.

RESULTS

Thematic analysis suggests that CAD patients were unable to quit SLT addiction due to (a) certain socio-environmental factors that support SLT, (b) prevalence of misconceptions about the link between SLT use and their cardiac condition, (c) perceived lower self-efficacy to quit, (d) fatalistic attitude towards health outcomes and (e) substituting addiction with perceived lesser harmful products.

DISCUSSION

The findings reveal that factors responsible for the continuation of SLT usage are multipronged. Current SLT users' perspectives can facilitate the development of effective intervention and rehabilitation programs aimed at de-addiction of cardiac patients.