Background: Tobacco and alcohol are among the most widely abused psychoactive substances among elderly population, especially in rural areas. Fewer research in this domain leads to the conduction of this study.
Objectives: The present study was conducted in rural geriatrics to know the prevalence of smoking and alcohol and to find their association with various sociodemographic factors.
Materials and Methods: Eight villages of RS Pura block were selected using multistage random sampling technique. Men and women aged 60 years and above were interviewed using predesigned questionnaire which included questions on sociodemographic, smoking, and alcohol consumption status.
Results: Nearly 518 persons were interviewed of whom 53.5% were females. 33.20% were smokers and 11.39% were ex-smokers with high prevalence in males 54.35%. 7.47% of the men and 6.86% were current tobacco chewers. 19.30% respondents were current alcoholics, whereas 4.25% were ex-alcoholics. 38.59% males and only 2.53% females were alcoholic. There was a progressive decline in a number of smokers with advancing age. Majority of men were moderate-to-light smokers (42.75% and 37.40%, respectively) and only 19.85% were heavy smokers.
Conclusion: More knowledge needs to be acquired about factors that have a bearing on cessation. Medical and family support to those willing to quit will play a pivotal role.
Key words: Tobacco; Alcohol; Elderly
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