Smokeless tobacco consumption in the S outh A sian population of S ydney, A ustralia: prevalence, correlates and availability

Aim. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify correlates of smokeless tobacco consumption among the S outh A sian residents of S ydney, A ustralia. Methods. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a pretested, self‐administered mailed questionnaire among members of I ndian, P akistani and B angladeshi community associations in S ydney. Results. Of 1600 individuals invited to participate, 419 responded (26%). Prevalence rates of ever consumption, more than 100 times consumption and current consumption were 72.1%, 65.9% and 17.1%, respectively. Men (74.3%) were more likely to ever consume than women (67.6%). Over 96% of consumers reported buying smokeless tobacco products from ethnic shops in S ydney. Current consumption of smokeless tobacco products was associated with country of birth: I ndians (odds ratio 5.7, 95% confidence interval 2.3–14.5) and P akistanis (odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–6.5) were more likely to be current consumers than B angladeshis after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. For ever consumption, there was a positive association with age ( P for trend  =  0.013) and male gender (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.5–3.1). Conclusions. Given the availability of smokeless tobacco and the high prevalence and potential adverse health consequences of consumption, smokeless tobacco consumption may produce a considerable burden of non‐communicable disease in A ustralia. Effective control measures are needed, in particular enforcement of existing laws prohibiting the sale of these products. [Hossain MS, Kypri K, Rahman B, Milton AH. Smokeless tobacco consumption in the South Asian population of Sydney, Australia: prevalence, correlates and availability. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:86–92]