Rajasthan: Tobacco consumption costs over 78,000 lives annually

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-II) 2017-18, 26.7 crore adults (28.6%) in India use tobacco. Read further on Dynamite News:

Jaipur: Tobacco consumption claims the lives of approximately 8 million people worldwide each year, with India accounting for over 13.5 lakh deaths and Rajasthan witnessing over 78,000 fatalities annually. Moreover, more than 5,500 children in the country and over 350 in the state start consuming tobacco and other smoking products daily.

Pawan Singhal, Senior Professor at the ENT department of Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur, highlighted these alarming statistics ahead of World No Tobacco Day - May 31.

Citing the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), Dr Singhal emphasized that the increasing trend of tobacco consumption among Rajasthan's youth is detrimental to their health, with nearly 78,000 people succumbing to tobacco-related deaths in the state.

Global Youth Tobacco Survey

The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS 2019) reveals that 74.3% of adolescents in Rajasthan have been exposed to tobacco product promotions, while 15.6% are aware of e-cigarettes. Dr Singhal stressed that the tobacco industry uses innovative marketing strategies to attract young people, which has a direct impact on the youth.

World No Tobacco Day

On World No Tobacco Day 2025, the theme "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Industry's Tactics to Hook New Generations" will be discussed globally. The campaign aims to raise awareness among school and college students about the harmful effects of tobacco and the deceptive marketing strategies employed by the tobacco industry.

Shyam Maru, Trustee of Sukham Foundation, emphasised the need for collective efforts to reduce cancer cases and promote a healthy society.

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-II) 2017-18, 26.7 crore adults (28.6%) in India use tobacco, with 21.4% consuming smokeless tobacco and 10.7% smoking cigarettes and bidis. The survey also reveals that over 5,500 children start using tobacco daily in the country.

Strategies for Quitting Tobacco

Set a Quit Date

Choose a date to quit and prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the change.

Understand Nicotine Withdrawal

Be aware that nicotine withdrawal symptoms are temporary and can be managed. Common symptoms include cravings, restlessness, trouble concentrating, and increased appetite.

Manage Cravings and Trigger

Identify your triggers (stress, situations, places) and develop strategies to avoid or manage them. Keep your hands and mouth busy with alternatives like chewing gum or drinking water.

Utilize Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Consider using nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, or nasal sprays to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Consider Medications

Consult with your doctor about other medications that can help with quitting.