A Qualitative Study on Attitude Towards Smoking and Quitting Among Smokers in Tribal Gypsies Dwelling from Chennai

Abstract

Background: Tobacco happens to be as old as human civilization since the cultivation of tobacco plants, nicotiana rustica, and nicotiana tabacum, dates back to 8000 years before the American Indians spread that. Smoking tobacco discloses the consumer to more than 7000 chemicals, of which almost 250 and nearly 69 chemicals were proven to be harmful and carcinogenic correspondingly. A particular tribal community is called Narikuravars, which is partially a nomadic group that was present across the borders and has been interpreted with low educational levels, low socio-economic status, and a dearth of pertinent access to health care. Aim: To assess the attitudes towards smoking and quitting among smokers in tribal gypsies population dwelling from Chennai. Materials and methods: An in-depth interview for 15 current smokers and a focus group discussion of 15 current smokers were conducted with a guide and moderator, which was audio recorded. About 9, 13, and 68 subjects from primary, middle, and high school literates participated in the study. Their tobacco consumption and dependence using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scale (FTNDS) was assessed. Results: High nicotine dependency was observed among 80% of middle school and 62% of primary school literates. Similarly, a Low dependency rate was observed among primary and high school literate with a rate of 40% and 20%, respectively. All the participants were aware of the health effects of tobacco, which affects the lungs and causes cancer. Some of them have had their relatives and known people who had suffered from cancer due to smoking. However, they had no knowledge or idea about COTPA. Conclusion: An interdisciplinary approach is required to prevent tobacco usage along with the government's support by introducing new schemes and programs and creating awareness about the ill effects of tobacco usage. Hence, tribal gypsy people should be educated about the consequences of smoking, and multiple cessation programs are to be conducted for the betterment of their lifestyle.