Smoking and alcohol consumption: Risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis among the tribal community in central India

Smoking and alcohol consumption are important risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among the Gond tribe in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, and information on smoking and alcohol consumption was collected. As compared to females, males had an increased odds for PTB prevalence (odds ratio (OR) 3.2; 95% CI 486.4-1358.4; p=0.01). Similarly smokers and alcohol consumers had an increased odds for PTB compared to non-smokers and non-alcohol consumers, respectively [(OR 3.2; 95% CI 516.4-1986.4; p=0.003); (OR 3.2; 95% CI 480.8-2254.8; p=0.009)]. Persons who were both smokers and alcohol consumers had an equally increased odds of PTB than those who did not smoke and consumed alcohol (OR 4.1; 95% CI 477.6-2581.6; p=0.001). The study findings highlight the need to develop and implement culturally appropriate awareness raising activities among the tribal community to support TB control efforts.