Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Introduction: The major cause of cancer in India is due to consumption of tobacco. This is seen more common in males compared to females. A tribe is a group of distinct people who are dependent on their land for their livelihood, largely self sufficient and not integrated in the national society. Many researchers suggest increased prevalence of tobacco consumption among tribal youth. Objective: To assess the prevalence and patterns of tobacco usage in a tribal community around Varanasi. Materials & method: 734 subjects participated in the study. A predesigned, standardized questionnaire was used to obtain data regarding prevalence and pattern of tobacco use in the tribal population. Results: Tobacco prevalence in the present study was found to be 41.28%. Social custom formed the major influencing factor for tobacco initiation, followed by influence of friends and work concentration. Chewing tobacco was the most common form of the tobacco habit. Conclusion: The prevalence of tobacco usage was high in the study population. Key words: Tobacco, prevalence, pattern, young adults, tribals.