Age of Onset (initiation) of Daily Tobacco Consumption in Adults of Ahmedabad

Research Objective: To identify age of initiation of adult tobacco abuse on daily basis in Ahmedabad and provide future directions for research. Method and measures: Samples of 605 adult smokers (between age 15 to 64 Years) and 882 adult tobacco chewers (between age 15 to 64 Years) were randomly selected by self-organized cross sectional survey. Ratios are estimated with 95% CI. For the evaluation of specific age initiation of consumption of tobacco products, different socio-demographic characteristics of subjects were selected as covariates. For the data collection a self-designed and pretested questionnaire was prepared in two languages English and local language Gujarati. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS 21.0. Statistical tools used in the analysis and modeling are descriptive statistics and logistic regression for selection of epidemiologic measures (risk factors) of onset at specific age. Conclusion: Majority of Female, Hindu, Muslims, and Schedule cast subjects, Illiterate subjects and economically backward respondents are found to be vulnerable of starting addiction of smoking and smokeless before age of 17 years. People with higher education, higher economical status, and male gender are vulnerable to initiate tobacco addiction between the age of 17 to 22 years.