A cross-sectional study of Smokeless Tobacco Use among Women in Rural Wardha

Smokeless tobacco use is a public health concern with significant implications for Women’s well-being, especially in rural areas. Smokeless tobacco products can be consumed through chewing, oral or nasal snuffing, rubbing on teeth and gums, gargling, or ingestion. Smokeless tobacco globally causes over 8 million deaths yearly, including 1.3 million non-smokers. Smokeless tobacco use by rural Indian women harms both their health and family well-being. In Wardha, the NFHS 5 survey (2019-2020) indicates that 9.5% of women aged 15 and above use tobacco. The present study will be a community-based cross-sectional. It will be conducted in all villages under the rural field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, JNMC, Sawangi (M), Wardha in women aged between 15-49 years in rural areas of Wardha district. The present study duration will be 2024-2025. The study will collect data using systematic random sampling and a structured questionnaire through interviews and observations.  The examination of smokeless tobacco use among women in rural Wardha carries significant implications for public health. smokeless tobacco use can have various implications for health. Smokeless tobacco elevates the risk of oral cancer, gum disease, and other oral health issues, while also carrying social and cultural implications in the community.