Profile Of Gutkha Consumers In Gulbarga City , Of Karnataka State, India.

ABSTRACT: Background: - Non?smoking tobacco, usage in the form of “gutkha” is spreading among all sections of the society from early adolescent age. This has been hazardous effect on future generation. Objective: - To study the factors responsible for initiating gutkha consumption and its impact on gutkha consumers. Method: - Cross-sectional community based study was carried out, among 400 male gutkha consumers in an urban community of Gulbarga city. Result: - It was observed that 90.00% of gutkha consumers were not aware of the content of gutkha & 93.00% of gutkha chewers were not willing to stop chewing gutkha. Factors associated with initiating gutkha consumption were peer group pressure ( 61.00%), as pleasurable activity ( 57.50%), illiteracy ( 24.50%) & age group of 16 to 20 year. Common associated habits among gutkha chewers were alcohol consumption (28.75%), smoking(25.00%) & pan chewing (23.75%). Health impact was that, Periodontal diseases (39.25%) , oral ulcer (38.00%), GIT disturbances (37.00%) & sub-mucous fibroses (13.75%). Conclusion:- The present study shows that, initiation of gutkha consumption was during adolescent age, as they were soft targets for high-risk behaviour. Therefore preventive strategies should be initiated from secondary school level itself.