Self-Reported Perceptions on Tobacco Related Health Consequences among Women Tobacco Users

The use of tobacco by the general population is widely prevalent all over the world including India. Like other parts of the country, it is highly responsible for many of the avoidable diseases and pre-mature deaths in the North-eastern states of India due to the consumption of both smoke and smokeless forms of tobacco by men and women. Mizoram state is one among the topmost in the cancer atlas at the national and international level as tobacco is one of the important contributing factors.

The present study was conducted in the year 2012 among 350 Mizo women tobacco users in Aizawl district, Mizoram. The respondents are healthy, in the reproductive age group between 13 years – 45 years. The study comprised of qualitative and quantitative approaches and data was collected through semi structured interview schedule.

The present study attempts to understand the perceptions of tribal women on health consequences of tobacco use, the correlation between tobacco use and occurrences of major health problems, minor health complaints and the severity of minor health complaints.

The results indicate that women perceived a number of effects of tobacco use. Majority of the respondents understand that pregnancy related complications, respiratory ailments, oral & oesophagus cancer, and dental problems are due to tobacco use. Also, minor health complaints like fatigue, cough, etc are experienced by the respondents.