Concurrent tobacco use in a random sample of UK-resident Bangladeshi men

The literature on concurrent tobacco (CCT) use, i.e., regularly using both smoked and chewed tobacco, is sparse.

This study aims to establish the point prevalence of CCT use in a randomly selected sample of UK-resident Bangladeshi males, compare CCT users with other tobacco users (smokers alone and chewers alone), and model the factors for CCT use and chewing tobacco use alone.

A cross-sectional bilingual interview survey collecting data on age, marital status, social class, employment status, home ownership and overcrowding, self-assessed health and chronic illness episodes, social capital, nicotine dependence, and oral pain was used. Carbon monoxide readings validated smoked tobacco use. Logistic regressions were used for data analysis.

The initial response rate was 59 percent. Sample mean age was 40.7 years. CCT prevalence was estimated at 22 percent, practiced by older respondents of limited educational status. CCT users more likely had only average or poor self-rated health and more likely reported current oral pain compared with tobacco smokers. A wife chewing tobacco distinguished CCT users, as compared with tobacco smokers alone.

In this sample of adult Bangladeshi males, CCT use was prevalent. CCT users more likely had a partner who was also a tobacco chewer, as compared with tobacco smokers.