Lucknow: Tobacco consumption has increased in Uttar Pradesh, according to the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), raising concern among health experts. The survey found that tobacco consumption among men rose from 44% in NFHS-5 (2019-21) to 45.2% in NFHS-6 (2023-24), while among women it increased from 8.5% to 9.6%.
Health Experts Warn of Rising Risks
“The rise in tobacco consumption is worrying because it eventually translates into more cases of lung disease, cancer, heart disease and stroke,” said Prof Ved Prakash, head, department of pulmonary and critical care medicine, KGMU. Doctors attributed the trend to social acceptance, easy availability and low awareness. Chewing tobacco products such as gutka and khaini remain widely used.
Alcohol Consumption Also on the Rise
The survey also recorded a rise in alcohol consumption among men, from 14.5% in NFHS-5 to 18.7% in NFHS-6. Alcohol use among women remained unchanged at 0.3%.
Call for Stronger Tobacco-Control Measures
Former head, respiratory medicine, KGMU, Prof Rajendra Prasad stressed the need for stronger tobacco-control measures. “Awareness alone is not enough. Strong enforcement of laws and access to cessation services are essential,” he said.
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