Tobacco use in India remains a pervasive public health challenge, deeply rooted in various psychological and social factors that influence individuals across different demographics. While efforts to curb tobacco consumption have been ongoing, understanding the underlying psychological drivers is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
STRESS AND ANXIETY:-
One of the primary psychological factors driving tobacco use in India is stress and anxiety. Many individuals turn to smoking or chewing tobacco as a coping mechanism to alleviate stress from work, family pressures, or personal issues. The nicotine in tobacco products acts as a stimulant, temporarily reducing feelings of tension and anxiety. According to a survey in the “Human-Centric Approach to Tobacco Control’ report, 62% of males and 40% of females in tier I cities cite stress and anxiety as motivations for tobacco use.
PEER PRESSURE AND SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE:-
Peer pressure plays a significant role, particularly among younger population. Adolescents and young adults start smoking to fit in with their peers or to appear more socially accepted. The desire to “look cool” or be part of a social group that smokes, contributes to initiation continued use. Studies indicate that peer influence strongly predicts tobacco experimentation and regular use among youth in urban and rural settings alike.
PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE AND VULNERABILITY FACTORS:-
Psychological factors such as low self-esteem, impulsivity, sensation-seeking behavior, or a history of trauma can increase vulnerability to tobacco use. These factors may predispose individuals to seek out the immediate gratification and perceived benefits offered by tobacco.
HUNGER SUPPRESSION IN ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES:-
According to the report, ‘Human-Centric Approach to Tobacco Control’, in India, legally produced cigarettes account for just 8% of the overall tobacco consumed, the remaining 92% of consumption is in the form of cheaper tobacco products such as bidis, chewing tobacco, khaini among others, mostly prevalent in the rural communities.
For economically disadvantaged individuals, tobacco’s perceived ability to suppress hunger plays a significant role. This misconception leads many to use tobacco products as a way to manage food, scarcity, despite the harmful health consequences. This makes quitting particularly challenging, as the act of smoking becomes intertwined with basic survival instincts.
ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGE:-
To effectively reduce tobacco consumption in India, it is crucial to adopt a human-centric approach that addresses the underlying psychological and socio-economic factors. This approach involves:-
- Implementing targeted public health campaigns that educate about the risks of tobacco use and promote healthier coping mechanisms for stress.
- Strengthening tobacco control policies to curb advertising, increase taxes on tobacco products, and enforce regulations on production and sale.
- Providing accessible and affordable tobacco cessation services integrated into healthcare systems, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
EMBRACCING A HUMAN-CENTRIC SOLUTION:-
Reducing tobacco consumption in India requires a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges and addresses the psychological drivers behind its use. By focusing on education, policy reform, and community-based interventions. India can make significant progress towards a healthier population. India can make significant progress towards a healthier population. A human-centric approach, grounded in empathy and understanding of local contexts, is combatting tobacco use and improving public health outcomes nationwide.
TOBACCO CONSUMPTION DETERMINANTS:-
- Stress and Anxiety – 558
- Peer Influence – 549
- Pressure and happy feeling – 454
- Self confidence – 348
- Reduce boredom – 245
- Reduce hunger – 92
Note:- 74% of total tobacco users have an adult smoker in their family.
