THE USE OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO AND ITS HEALTH IMPLICATION AMONG RESIDENTS IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The use of smokeless tobacco is increasing globally, posing a significant threat to the health and socio-economic wellbeing of its users. This study was conducted to describe the pattern of smokeless tobacco use, levels of addictions to smokeless tobacco and the health implications of smokeless tobacco use among residents in the Tamale Metropolis. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study in the Tamale Metropolis. We collected data from the respondent using semi structured questionnaire. In all we selected 408 adults‟ respondents from the metropolis using a multistage random sampling. Data was entered, cleaned and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) version 25. RESULTS: The prevalence of use of smokeless tobacco was 71.1% with the most commonly used being Moringa (47.6%; 139/408). The main reasons for use were to enhance energy (40%), and for sexual enhancement (15.8%). On the Fagerstrom scale, 29.6% of the respondents were highly dependent. Male sex was associated with 50% increase Odds of use; primary level of education had about 4 times higher Odds of use; being divorced had 16% less likelihood and being married had 54% less likelihood of use. Being a Muslim had 3 times higher likelihood of use. Parental use of any tobacco product and friend use of snuff had almost 2 times and 5 times likelihood of use respectively. Tooth decay (26.5%), leukoplakia (23.8%) turbinates (35.2%) and nasal polyps (23.1%) were common oral and nasal deformities present in users. Use was associated with 4, 3 and 9 times increased odds of breathing difficulties, oral and nasal deformities, respectively (p < 0.001 in all cases). CONCLUSION: There was a high rate of use of smokeless tobacco in the Tamale Metropolis and was associated with oral and nasal disorders among users. There is the need for public education about the health implications of the substance in the Metropolis.