Smoke Tobacco and its Association with Health Status of Individuals in India

Abstract Background: Studies show that consumption of nicotine in any form (nonsmoke and smoke) have a strong association with body weight and related health problems. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to examine the prevalence of smoked tobacco consumption and its association with body mass index (BMI) levels among men and women in India. By analyzing this relationship, the study provides insights into the indirect health risks (Boday Mass Index) associated with tobacco use across different population groups. Data and Methods: The Indian National Family Health Survey-4 was used. A total of 687,876 women and 100,459 men sample were included and analyzed using bivariate statistical techniques. Results: The data revealed that 4.6% of women and 21.2% of men were using smoke tobacco in India. The prevalence of smoke tobacco use was higher among underweight BMI women (5.5%) and underweight/normal BMI men (22%) in India. Statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05) in prevalence between the groups associated with their BMI categories were evident for the states Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, and Manipur. States with a noticeable difference in the obese category are Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Daman and Diu, and Arunachal Pradesh. Conclusion: Underweight individuals, including reproductive-age women and older adults, should receive strong encouragement and support to quit smoke tobacco use to prevent negative health effects.