Cigarette consumption highest in Karnataka; tobacco consumption rises among rural women: Report

An analysis of tobacco consumption in seven states and Union territories -- Karnataka, Assam, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir –has revealed that at 63.68%, cigarette-smoking prevalence is the highest among Karnataka’s adult population when compared to other states.

In a report by the Delhi-based think-tank, AF Development Centre (AFDC), the researchers noted that ground-level implementation of tobacco control is lacking, erratic in these states, and needs to be improved.

The study conducted by a research agency working in Asia on health, gender and labour issues, carried out a study to evaluate the status of implementation of tobacco control measures covered under WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) rules in India (2004-2020).

The study also found that a majority of participants from Karnataka (53.64%) believe that smoking is allowed in some indoor areas.

According to the study people in urban areas are more likely to consume cigarettes than those residing in rural areas. As per the study, around 58% of urban respondents smoke cigarettes, whereas only 43% do so among rural respondents.

Cigarette smoking prevalence above 18 years of age was the highest in Karnataka, with 63.68%, followed by Odisha with 62.5%, 48.37% in Assam, and 45.95% in Jammu & Kashmir. The lowest was in Gujarat, with 33.18%. Smoking of beedi among tobacco users was also highest in Karnataka, at 36.32%. While in the case of smokeless tobacco (SLT), gutkha was the highest in Gujarat at 69.16%, and lowest in Uttar Pradesh at 24.25%. Prevalence is high in states like Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir, with more than 40%.