Social and Family Influence on Initiation of Smokeless Tobacco Addiction

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess the family and social influence on the initiation of tobacco chewing among tobacco addicts visiting Dr. K.M Pfau civil hospital, Karachi. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. K.M Pfau civil hospital Karachi. Two groups were compared, 65 tobacco chewers who were classified as group 1, 65 more people of similar age and gender who abstained from all tobacco use were classified as group 2. Data was collected using a questionnaire about tobacco chewing addiction in parents, siblings and friends from both groups. The data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: In group 1, there were 65 tobacco chewers and in group 2, there were 65 healthy controls of alike age and gender who had no addiction. In group 1, 40% individuals had tobacco chewer parents, 14% individual’s siblings were tobacco chewers and 18% had both tobacco chewer parents and siblings. In group 2, 11% individuals had parents who were tobacco chewers, 18% had tobacco chewer siblings and 71% of the individual did not have a tobacco chewing habit in the family. This shows tobacco chewing habits are more common in people with parents and siblings having these habits rather than people who have no addiction in the family. Conclusion: Compared to non-user families, subjects of tobacco-using families had a greater prevalence of tobacco use. These findings provide guidance for creating effective tobacco reduction plans that reduce tobacco use.