Kolkata puffs the most in India: Survey

 

 The comprehensive national survey, conducted in association with GfK Mode, covered all four regions through Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Hyderabad, with a sample size of 1111 respondents.

As a continuation of ICICI Lombard’s ongoing health and safety campaign, the survey looked into the various patterns of tobacco consumption and how the social and psychological factors influence tobacco consumers’ lifestyle. 

 

According to the survey findings, 44% respondents in Kolkata reported an increase in their cigarette consumption in the last 2-3 years. Smoking cigarettes is perceived to be relieving stress by most of the respondents. 

 

Also Kolkata respondents smokes mostly during and post work hours. 

 

When asked about ill-effects of consuming tobacco, 93% of the respondents stated that they are aware of the fact that smoking or chewing tobacco causes lung, mouth or throat cancer.

 

 However, an alarming 94% of respondents in the city have never tried to quit smoking and 64% do not have a health insurance policy.

Commenting on the survey findings, Amit Bhandari, VP – Health Underwriting & Claims, ICICI Lombard GIC Ltd., said, “We believe that the survey findings along with our in-house ‘claims’ related data will help us and other stakeholders to address the issues related to smoking and tobacco consumption and thereby design relevant programs towards promoting smoking cessation for individuals. 

 

"This is in line with our aim to promote wellness and preventive healthcare thus enabling people to change their habits towards a healthier lifestyle.”

Other key findings of the survey:

·         Over 82% respondents in Kolkata started tobacco consumption with cigarettes

·         The frequency of tobacco consumption (Cigarette: 7-8 times/day, Gutka: 3-5 times/day and Zarda: 3-5 times/day) is highest in Kolkata compared to other cities. Weekly spend on cigarettes is ₹ 348 in Kolkata

·         In Kolkata, chewing tobacco products (36%) is perceived to be the top intoxication habit followed by alcohol consumption (28%), smoking cigarettes / cigars (21%) and smoking bidis (14%)

·         1 in 2 respondents in Kolkata mentioned that relation with family/parents has become strained/tensed due to their tobacco consumption