Prevalence Of Tobacco Consumption Among Migrant Construction Workers: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: As the primary risk factor for the six leading causes of death, tobacco use is a serious public health concern. According to Devika P. Jeeragyal (2014), tobacco-related diseases cause an average loss of 20–25 years of life, with the majority of these deaths occurring in those between the ages of 35 and 69, a critical age range for the workforce.

Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted among 226 Construction workers at Construction site at Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.  A non-randomized purposive sampling technique was used.

Results and discussion: The present study revealed that males were more common; Out of 226, 178 (79%) comprised the predominant gender group in the study. Among the reasons for starting tobacco, common practices at home, in the neighborhood, and in the workplace were 156 (69%), peer influence was 62 (27%), and toothache was 84%.Those who never thought of quitting tobacco were 12 (5%), and those who had thought of quitting tobacco were 214 (95%). Among those, 21 (9%) had no attempts to quit tobacco use, 193 (85%) had several quit attempts ranging from 1-6 times, and 12 (5%) had quit attempts more than six times.

Conclusion: By systematically documenting the prevalence of tobacco habits and associated issues, healthcare institutions can be encouraged to conduct regular screenings and oral health education programs focused on tobacco cessation. This initiative aims to raise awareness among a largely uneducated and often neglected population about the importance of quitting tobacco use.