Prevalence, pattern and determinants of tobacco and alcohol use among construction site workers in Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Background: The construction industry is large in India, employing millions of workers. The workers in the construction industry have a higher rate of tobacco and alcohol use. The objective of the study was to find the prevalence, pattern, and determinants of tobacco and alcohol among construction workers and to give them health education to improve their health and safety. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted at a construction site in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on 401 study participants, using a pre-designed and pre-tested Schedule. The participants were interviewed after obtaining their consent. Sociodemographic and other data about tobacco and alcohol use were taken from them. The data was analysed and frequency and proportions were calculated for categorical variables. Chi-square test of significance was applied for testing the associations of variables with tobacco and alcohol use. Results: Prevalence of tobacco use was 73%, and alcohol was 38.4%. The prevalence of combined tobacco and alcohol use was 33.7%. Age, gender, marital status and education were found to be significantly associated with tobacco use as well as with alcohol use. Duration of work was significantly associated with tobacco use and religion with alcohol use. Conclusion: The high prevalence of Tobacco and alcohol use by the study participants warrants strong measures so that the youth of India stay protected. Targeted interventions are needed to decrease the use of tobacco and alcohol by construction workers to safeguard their health.