Prevalence and Patterns of Polysubstance Use (Tobacco and Other Substances) and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in a High-Risk Cohort for Oral Cancer in Varanasi, India, With a Special Focus on Young Emerging Adults

Literature is scarce on population-based data for the prevalence and pattern of polysubstance (tobacco and other substances) use in India, both for the young and adult population. We studied the prevalence and pattern of substance use in a predominantly rural district of India, which reportedly has the second-highest burden of oral cancer among all Indian population-based cancer registries. We found that more than half (55.7%) of the study population used at least one substance; among them, nearly half (42.4%) used two or more substances. Tobacco use was the most prevalent form (94.3%), followed by areca nut use (44.8%), alcohol (6.6%), and cannabis (0.8%). Polysubstance use was prevalent among young emerging adult substance users. Age, male gender, employment, and income were predictors of polysubstance use. Distinct sociocultural factors shaping substance use in India necessitate research.