Barriers to Quitting and Cessation of Tobacco among Adult Tobacco Users in Rural Population of Ghaziabad District - An Evaluative Study.

Tobacco is a major public health problem. Low Socio Economic Status (SES) populations face greater barriers to quitting smoking that can be directly or indirectly linked to the experience of living in a low socioeconomic environment. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the barriers to tobacco cessation in rural areas of the Ghaziabad district. A total of 250 participants were included in the sample. A pretested questionnaire was used to assess the demographic variables, tobacco use, and the barriers they face in tobacco cessation. The majority of the participants (45%) indulged in smokeless tobacco (chewers). Most participants had used tobacco for over 10-15 years (32.3%). The majority of the people did not know that tobacco cessation services existed in hospitals and dental offices (77.7%). There were many barriers to tobacco cessation in rural areas of the Ghaziabad district. Hence, concerted efforts and tailored strategies can help individuals in rural areas quit smoking.