Prevalence and correlates of nicotine dependence among construction site workers: A cross-sectional study in Delhi

Abstract

Introduction:Workers represent half the world's population and are major contributors to economic and social development. Tobacco consumption in construction site workers has been considered a big challenge.Objectives:(1) To assess the prevalence of nicotine dependence among tobacco users. (2) To study the correlates of nicotine dependence among the construction site workers.Methodology:A cross sectional study was conducted using a predesigned and pretested structured proforma. The study was conducted among all construction site workers aged 18yrs and above in campus of Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research and associated HAH centenary hospital, New Delhi. Karl Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Questionnaire was used to assess dependence on nicotine.Results:The mean age of construction site workers was 32.04±11.6 years. Among the workers, majority (91%) were tobacco user. Among the users, 60% found it difficult to refrain from smoking/chewing in places where use of tobacco is not allowed (e.g. hospitals, government offices, cinemas, Libraries etc). 55% of the users smoked or chewed tobacco during the first hours after waking than during the rest of the day. On multivariate analysis, the factors which were found to be significantly associated with nicotine dependence were lower income group (OR 2.57, CI:1.66-3.99), smokeless tobacco use (OR 2.36, CI:1.30-4.27) and lower education (OR = 2.86 (95% CI 1.97-4.16) for illiterate).Discussion:The prevalence of tobacco use (91%) among construction workers is very high compared to that in the general population. Recognition of construction sites as work places and proper implementation of law is needed.

Level of tobacco dependence among tobacco users in an urban slum of Puducherry: A pilot study

“…also have reported maximum number of tobacco users to have medium dependence for tobacco use. [ 5 ] Although the dependence on tobacco use (medium dependence) was higher among smokers (61%) than smokeless tobacco users (41%), the proportionate physical dependence was higher among smokeless tobacco users (41.3%) than smokers (20.4%). A significant proportion of tobacco users is physically dependent on tobacco.…”

“…Similarly, other studies also have reported high physical dependence on tobacco (Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence score >7) which varies from 10% to 27% among tobacco users. [ 5 20 21 22 ]…”

“…[ 4 ] Tobacco-related deaths are estimated by WHO to contribute nearly 13% of all-cause mortality in India by 2020. [ 5 ]…”

“…[ 9 ] Nicotine dependence is a compulsion and tobacco users continue using tobacco despite knowledge of serious health problems associated with it. [ 5 ]…”

“…[ 10 ] Early initiation of tobacco use, low socioeconomic status, low education, and smokeless tobacco use were reported to be independently associated with nicotine dependence. [ 5 ] There is an increased persistence of smoking among nicotine-dependent smokers aged 15 years to 54 years. [ 10 ] A study by Mohesh and Vijayakumar reported higher nicotine dependence among tobacco users belonging to lower socioeconomic status than higher socioeconomic status.…”