Establishing a model workplace tobacco cessation program in India.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Oncology

Background:

• Tobacco use is prevalent and culturally accepted in rural Maharashtra, India.
• A study was conducted in a chemical industrial unit in Ratnagiri district.
• This research addresses the significant public health issue of tobacco consumption in an occupational setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding tobacco consumption.
• To identify reasons for tobacco initiation and continuation.
• To determine tobacco use prevalence, its link to precancerous lesions, and to implement cessation interventions.

Main Methods:

• A one-year study involving 104 employees in a chemical industrial unit.
• Interviews, screening for oral neoplasia, and recording socio-demographic data and habits.
• Active interventions included awareness lectures, group discussions, counseling, and pharmacotherapy for tobacco users.

Main Results:

• 48.08% of employees used tobacco, with smokeless forms being predominant.
• Peer pressure and pleasure drove initiation; belief in personal immunity and stress relief fueled continuation.
• 40% of tobacco users had oral precancerous lesions, particularly those using smokeless tobacco, and knowledge of ill-effects was poor.

Conclusions:

• Baseline assessment of tobacco-related KAP is crucial for effective workplace cessation programs.
• Understanding specific reasons for tobacco initiation and continuation is vital for strategy development.
• Comprehensive workplace programs are essential for tobacco cessation and mitigating associated health risks.