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Youth

Tobacco Use in India: A Leading Cause of Preventable Deaths

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tobacco use is a major public health concern in India, contributing to nearly 1.35 million deaths annually. A recent virtual roundtable, organized by the MASH Project Foundation with technical partner Vital Strategies, brought together medical practitioners and young people to discuss the effects of tobacco use on youth health and well-being. The event highlighted the alarming rates of tobacco consumption among Indian youth, with over 54% of young people initiating tobacco use before the age of 10, leading to nicotine addiction and chronic illnesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 54% of young people in India initiate tobacco use before the age of 10, leading to nicotine addiction and chronic illnesses.
  • Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death in India, resulting in nearly 1.35 million deaths annually.
  • An average of 8.5% of students aged 13-15 consume tobacco in one or more forms.
  • Tobacco consumption can lead to a range of health problems, including cancer, lung diseases, heart diseases, and stroke.
  • Secondhand smoke exposure can cause heart attacks, with one in four occurring in people under the age of 40.
  • Smoking increases the risk of heart attacks by almost six times, while chewing tobacco increases the risk by almost double.
  • The Tata Memorial Hospital supports the #IndiaVsTobacco campaign, which aims to create awareness and promote a tobacco-free India.

Statistics:

  • 1.35 million deaths annually in India are attributed to tobacco use.
  • Over 54% of young people in India initiate tobacco use before the age of 10.
  • 8.5% of students aged 13-15 consume tobacco in one or more forms.
  • One in four heart attacks occur in people under the age of 40.
  • Smoking increases the risk of heart attacks by almost six times.
  • Chewing tobacco increases the risk of heart attacks by almost double.

Sources:

  • NewsRx, August 28, 2022
  • Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 2019
  • MASH Project Foundation
  • Vital Strategies
  • Tata Memorial Centre
  • India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

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