Chandigarh Reports Low Adult Tobacco Use Rates According to Health Data

Chandigarh has emerged as a leader in combating tobacco use, with data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicating that only 13.7% of adults in the city use tobacco in any form. This statistic positions Chandigarh among the top five regions in India with the lowest rates of tobacco users, a notable achievement given the widespread health concerns associated with tobacco consumption.

According to the data shared in the Lok Sabha, Chandigarh’s adult tobacco use rate includes both smoked and smokeless forms. Of the tobacco users in the city, 6.1% utilize smokeless tobacco. In comparison, Goa records the lowest percentage of tobacco users at just 9.7%, followed by Puducherry at 11.2% and Punjab at 13.4%. Nationally, the overall rate of tobacco use among adults stands at 28.6%, highlighting the significant progress Chandigarh has made.

The statistics illustrate a troubling trend in some regions. The northeastern states of India have some of the highest tobacco use rates. Notably, Tripura has the highest percentage of adult tobacco users, with an alarming 64.5% of its population participating in tobacco use.

In addition to adult statistics, the Union Ministry of Health also referenced findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), which showed a decline in tobacco use among school-going children aged 13-15 years. The GYTS reported a decrease from 14.6% in 2009 to 8.4% in 2019. Furthermore, the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) indicated a significant reduction of 54% in tobacco consumption among youth aged 15-17 years between the first survey conducted from 2009-2010 and the second one from 2016-2017.

These findings represent a positive shift in public health awareness and indicate effective tobacco control strategies in Chandigarh and across India. Continued efforts are essential to maintain this downward trend in tobacco use, particularly in regions where rates remain high. The data underscores the importance of ongoing public health campaigns and educational initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco consumption for future generations.