Perceived Risk of Tobacco Use in COVID-19 Disease Causation and Severity among Healthcare Professionals: A Pan India Online Survey

Abstract

Background: Risk perception for a disease significantly influence practice related to it. The study examined the perceived risk of tobacco use in COVID-19 disease causation and severity among healthcare professionals (HCPs) of India.
 Methods: We carried out this explorative cross-sectional online survey among 687 HCPs across India during December 2020 using a self-administered, structured ‘google form’ (an online data collection tool). The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).
 Results: Educational stream (Dental) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.25] [Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH)] [AOR: 3.00], marital status (currently married and staying with spouse) [AOR: 0.43], perception of tobacco form that increases risk (only smoking) [AOR: 11.64] (both smoking and smokeless) [AOR: 22.25] and current tobacco user [AOR: 1.59] were significant multivariable attributes of perception of tobacco use as risk factor for COVID-19 disease causation (63.0%). Marital status (currently married and staying with spouse) [AOR: 0.50 and perception of tobacco form that increases risk (only smoking) [AOR: 12.93] (both smoking and smokeless) [AOR: 27.78] were identified as independent multivariable attributes of perceived risk for COVID-19 disease severity (77.9%). Perceived risk of tobacco use in COVID-19 disease causation and severity were significantly associated with their tobacco cessation advice-giving behaviour to patients (73.9%) and family members (66.7%).
 Conclusion: Three in every five HCPs perceived that tobacco increases risk of COVID-19. Sensitization workshops on several aspects of tobacco control need to be organized for HCPs.