Assessing Prevalence and Determinants of Tobacco Use among Young Adults in Gujarat: A Secondary Data Analysis

Abstract

Smoking is a global health issue, with India being the second-largest consumer. Secondary data analysis of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2, 2016–17) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015–16) was used to examine tobacco use among young people (15–34 years) in Gujarat. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis examined tobacco consumption and socio-demographic characteristics. The prevalence is 34.1%, with 52.7% of men and 15.2% of women. Urbanites smoked more, while ruralites used smokeless tobacco. Age, gender, social status, and education were important. Youth tobacco use remains despite strong national rules like COTPA (2003) and the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP), highlighting the need for focused interventions, school-based awareness, and tougher policy enforcement in Gujarat. India is the second-largest tobacco consumer, making smoking a global health issue. Gujarat's 15–34-year-old smokers were examined using the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2, 2016–17) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015–16). We examined socio-demographic characteristics and tobacco usage using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. 34.1% of youth smoke tobacco, 52.7% of men and 15.2% of women. Cities had more smokers, whereas rural areas had more smokeless tobacco users. Aging, gender, socioeconomic class, and education were crucial. Despite COTPA (2003) and the NTCP, young people smoke a lot. This shows why Gujarat needs targeted youth interventions, school-based awareness programs, and better policy enforcement and monitoring. The results show that current tobacco control methods are flawed and that state-specific, culturally sensitive programs are needed. Increasing adolescent engagement, including tobacco instruction in school courses, greater communication about altering behavior, and better enforcing present laws can all help decrease the number of individuals who start smoking at a young age and stay hooked for a long period. The study also shows authorities in Gujarat that they should prioritize high-risk individuals and use resources appropriately to reduce tobacco usage.