AU - Kaira, Laxman AU - Dabral, Esha AU - Sikka, Gitanjali AU - Kukreja, Harpreet TI - Prevalence of tobacco usage among rural population of Srinagar Garhwal, Uttrakhand PT - ORIG DP - 2013 Feb 1 TA - Indian Journal of Multidisciplinary Dentistry PG - 668-672 VI - 3 IP - 2 4099- https://www.ijmdent.com/article.asp?issn=2229-6360;year=2013;volume=3;issue=2;spage=668;epage=672;aulast=Kaira;type=0 4100- https://www.ijmdent.com/article.asp?issn=2229-6360;year=2013;volume=3;issue=2;spage=668;epage=672;aulast=Kaira AB - Aim : To know the prevalence of tobacco usage among the sample of a rural population of Srikot and to know the awareness about the harmful effects among the sample population. Methodology: 450 Indian subjects (225 male and 225 females) of 15-60 years of age were selected from various localities of a small village. They were divided into 3 age groups namely 10-25, 26-41, 42-60 years. Each group contains 75 males and 75 females respectively. A self prepared questionnaire regarding awareness and usage of tobacco products was collected from the subjects. Results: The overall prevalence rate of tobacco usage was found to be 36.33 % males accounted for 41% and females accounted for 31 %. The M:F ratio being 1.34:1. Among the males (all the age groups together ) habit of chewing tobacco is seen in 15.33%, smoking in 21.66 %, both habits in 12.66 % and among females ( all the groups together) habit of chewing tobacco is seen in 15% ,smoking in 10.66% both habits in 5.33%. In case of awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco is slightly more in males (44%) when compared to females (37.66 %). Conclusion: The results of the present study confirms the prevalence of the tobacco usage is more in the sample of the rural population whereas the awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco is less in the sample population, needing some immediate and quick measures to curb the tobacco menace among the rural population.