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Odisha Teens Hooked on Tobacco by Age 12
4 Apr
Summary
- Tribal adolescents in Odisha start using smokeless tobacco aged 12-16.
- Peer pressure and lack of family control significantly influence habit initiation.
- Odisha has limited tobacco de-addiction centers, hindering cessation efforts.
In Odisha, India, tribal adolescents are initiated into smokeless tobacco consumption between the ages of 12 and 16. A study conducted by the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, found that peer pressure and insufficient family oversight are significant factors driving this early habituation.
The research, focusing on Santhal and Bhumij communities, indicates that cultural settings like local games and festivals often serve as introduction points. This early exposure is further compounded by the scarce availability of tobacco de-addiction facilities, with only 13 centers across the entire state.
These findings are particularly alarming given Odisha's status as a major consumer of tobacco in India. The study emphasizes the critical need for enhanced health infrastructure and targeted intervention strategies to combat the rising prevalence of smokeless tobacco use among vulnerable tribal youth.
