Prevalence and Determinants of Tobacco Use among Adult Patients Attending Outpatient Department of Tertiary Care hospital

Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is a leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hospital outpatient departments represent important contact points for identifying and counselling tobacco users.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of tobacco use and identify its socio-demographic determinants among adult patients attending the general OPD of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months among 150 adult OPD attendees selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco use patterns, and quit attempts.

Results: The prevalence of current tobacco use was 36%. Among users, 44.4% used smoked forms, 38.9% used smokeless forms, and 16.7% reported dual use. Daily consumption was observed in 75.9% of users. Tobacco use was significantly higher among males (52.2%) compared to females (11.7%). Lower educational status and manual labor occupation were significantly associated with tobacco use. On multivariable analysis, male gender, lower education, and manual labor occupation remained independent predictors. Only 35.2% of users had attempted quitting in the past year.

Conclusion: Tobacco use remains common among OPD attendees and is strongly influenced by gender and socioeconomic factors. Routine screening and integration of structured cessation services into outpatient care are urgently needed to reduce tobacco-related health burden.