Tobacco Use and Low Body Mass Index in Urban India
Author Information
Author(s): Pednekar Mangesh S, Gupta Prakash C, Shukla Heema C, Hebert James R
Primary Institution: Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health
Hypothesis
Is there an association between tobacco use and low body mass index (BMI) in the urban Indian population?
Conclusion
Tobacco use is an independent risk factor for low BMI in the urban Indian population.
Supporting Evidence
- All forms of tobacco use were associated with low BMI.
- Bidi smokers had the highest prevalence of low BMI at 32%.
- Adjusted odds ratios indicated a significant risk of low BMI for both men and women who used tobacco.
- The study found a dose-response relationship between tobacco use frequency and low BMI.
- Smokeless tobacco use was also linked to low BMI, particularly among women.
Takeaway
People who use tobacco tend to weigh less than those who don't, which is not good for their health.
Methodology
Data from a cross-sectional survey of 99,598 adults aged 35 and older in Mumbai was analyzed to examine the relationship between tobacco use and BMI.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to differential mortality rates among different subgroups.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, making it difficult to determine causality between tobacco use and low BMI.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 40,071 men and 59,527 women aged 35 and older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI for odds ratios provided in the results.
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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