The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: In India there is a high prevalence of diabetes and tobacco use patterns among diabetes patients have not been explored. Therefore, to understand the tobacco use pattern among diabetes patients and their need for cessation, we conducted a study in Trivandrum district of Kerala

Methods: Using a pre-tested and semi structured interview schedule we colleted information on tobacco use, quit behavior and other related information from 200 male diabetes patients aged 18 years and above who attended the outpatient clinic in a public hospital and a private hospital in Trivandrum, India. We also conducted ten case studies and 15 in-depth interviews.

Results: Prior to the detection of diabetes, 62% of them used tobacco and current use was 34 percent. Of the current users nearly 65 % reported that smoking will not affect diabetes. Following the detection of diabetes, 45% of the users quit completely and 26% continued after several quit attempts. Fifty percent of the cigarette users and 62% of the bidi users perceived that they can use 1-10 numbers a day before it becomes harmful for the body. The popular notions about the reasons of diabetes include the food culture. Doctors were reported to be key players in supporting cessation though only 41% of the patients were advised to quit by their physicians. Over three fourths of the current users welcomed support from a free cessation clinic. This presentation will present detailed qualitative data from diabetes patients in India regarding their tobacco use and suggestions for future research