# Tobacco use and its associated factors among middle and old-aged women in India using LASI wave-1 data

## TL;DR

This study examines tobacco use among middle and old-aged women in India, identifying key factors like socioeconomic status, marital status, and mental health.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into risk factors for tobacco use among middle and old-aged Indian women, a group often overlooked in tobacco research.

## Key findings

- Middle and old-aged women in India's northeastern region are more likely to use tobacco.
- Women who are widowed, separated, or unmarried are at higher risk for tobacco use.
- Lower socioeconomic status, alcohol use, and depressive symptoms are linked to increased tobacco use.

## Abstract

Despite a global decline in tobacco use reported by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), India stands out for its high number of tobacco users. While research in India often focuses on tobacco use among young adults, there’s a notable lack of studies addressing tobacco use among middle and old-aged women. However, the national prevalence of tobacco use among middle and old-aged (45 years and above) women in India is 18.2%. Thus, this study seeks to identify the factors influencing tobacco consumption among middle and old-aged women in the country.

The study has utilized secondary data from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) conducted in 2017–18. This study exclusively included a total of 38,180 middle and old-aged women who reported tobacco use. The analysis encompassed the utilization of Chi-square tests and Binary logistic regression to pinpoint the risk factors linked to tobacco use among middle and old-aged women.

Our study reveals a heightened likelihood of tobacco use among middle and old-aged women residing in the northeastern region of India. The study underscores the imperative to direct targeted efforts toward middle and old-aged women who fall into specific categories, including those who are widowed, separated, or unmarried, individuals who consume alcohol, those with lower socioeconomic and educational standings, residents of rural areas, those living in solitude, individuals experiencing depressive symptoms, and those who self-report poor health.

Given the heightened susceptibility of these demographic groups to tobacco use, it is crucial to prioritize tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives specifically tailored to their needs and circumstances.