NFHS-6 Highlights India’s Changing Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption Patterns
India continues to face a significant public health challenge from tobacco consumption, even as alcohol use remains relatively stable, according to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24. The survey reveals that tobacco use remains widespread, particularly in rural areas, while alcohol consumption shows only marginal changes across the country.
The findings come at a time when health experts are increasingly concerned about the rise of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses, many of which are linked to tobacco and alcohol use.
Tobacco Consumption Remains a Major Concern in Rural India
According to NFHS-6, around 36.3% of Indian men aged 15 years and above consume tobacco in some form, including smoking and smokeless products. Although this marks a slight improvement from 38% recorded in NFHS-5 (2019-21), tobacco use remains alarmingly high.
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Among women, tobacco consumption stands at 8.4%, marginally lower than the 8.9% reported in the previous survey.
The report highlights a significant rural-urban gap. Tobacco use among men is 41.1% in rural areas compared to 26.2% in urban regions. Similarly, 10% of rural women use tobacco, while the figure drops to 4.6% in urban areas.
Experts attribute the continued prevalence to the popularity of smokeless tobacco products such as gutka, khaini, zarda, and chewing tobacco, which remain affordable and widely available in many parts of the country.
Health Experts Warn of Serious Long-Term Risks
Medical professionals continue to warn about the severe health consequences associated with tobacco consumption. Tobacco remains a leading cause of oral cancer, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
Healthcare experts note that the harmful effects of tobacco begin much earlier than many users realize. By the time symptoms appear, significant and often irreversible damage may already have occurred.
Specialists have also raised concerns about the growing popularity of alternative nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and nicotine pouches, particularly among younger consumers. While often marketed as safer alternatives, these products continue to pose risks related to addiction and respiratory health.
Alcohol Consumption Remains Relatively Stable
The NFHS-6 survey indicates that alcohol consumption among Indian men has remained largely unchanged. Around 18.9% of men aged 15 years and above reported consuming alcohol, compared to 18.7% in the previous survey.
However, alcohol consumption is more common in rural areas, where 20.6% of men reported drinking alcohol, compared to 15.5% in urban regions.
Among women, alcohol consumption remains comparatively low. The survey found that 1.1% of women consume alcohol, slightly down from 1.3% recorded in NFHS-5. Rural women reported higher consumption levels than their urban counterparts.
Although alcohol use is less prevalent than tobacco use, health experts caution that regular drinking can increase the risk of liver disorders, hypertension, certain cancers, and mental health issues.
Need for Stronger Public Health Interventions
Despite anti-tobacco campaigns, warning labels, and higher taxes on tobacco products, tobacco-related health risks continue to impose a heavy burden on India’s healthcare system. Public health advocates believe that more targeted awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas, are necessary to accelerate the decline in tobacco consumption.
Experts also point out that tobacco use is increasingly occurring alongside rising obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, creating a dangerous combination of risk factors for chronic diseases and premature mortality.
The NFHS-6 findings suggest that while some progress has been made in reducing tobacco consumption, the pace remains slow. Policymakers and healthcare professionals believe sustained public health efforts will be essential to reduce tobacco dependence and promote healthier lifestyles across the country.
Conclusion
The latest NFHS-6 report highlights a mixed picture of India’s progress in addressing lifestyle-related health risks. While tobacco use has shown a modest decline, millions of Indians continue to consume tobacco products, particularly in rural regions. At the same time, alcohol consumption remains relatively stable. The findings reinforce the need for continued awareness, stronger public health policies, and community-level interventions to reduce the burden of preventable diseases in the country.
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