High Tobacco Use and Rising Health Risks in Tripura: Insights from NFHS-6 Survey
The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) conducted in 2023-24 presents a concerning public health scenario for the state of Tripura. Nearly half of the women and more than half of the men in the state consume tobacco, rates significantly higher than the national averages. Alongside tobacco use, the survey highlights a sharp rise in diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and sustained alcohol consumption, pointing to a complex web of lifestyle-related health challenges demanding urgent attention.
Alarming Tobacco Consumption Among Men and Women
Tripura reports one of the highest tobacco consumption rates among women in India, with 47.7% of women aged 15 years and above using tobacco in some form. Although this figure slightly dipped from 50.5% in the previous NFHS-5 survey, it remains nearly six times the national average of 8.4%. This deeply entrenched tobacco habit poses major health risks and public health challenges in the region.
Men in Tripura also show a high prevalence of tobacco use, with 52.1% of adult men reported as tobacco consumers, a decrease from 57.2% in the prior survey in NFHS-5 but still substantially above the national average of 36.3%.
| Tobacco Use | NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 | India NFHS-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | 50.5% | 47.7% | 8.4% |
| Men | 57.2% | 52.1% | 36.3% |
Health experts warn that widespread tobacco consumption significantly increases the risks of oral and lung cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and strokes. Addressing tobacco use remains one of Tripura’s most urgent public health priorities.
Rising Diabetes Prevalence Among Men and Women
The NFHS-6 survey also reveals a sharp increase in diabetes, particularly among men. Among women aged 15 and above, the proportion with elevated blood sugar levels or receiving diabetes treatment rose from 17.7% to 19.6%. However, the increase is more pronounced among men, where prevalence jumped from 19.3% to 25.1%, surpassing the national average of 20.9%.
| Indicator | NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 | India NFHS-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men with high blood sugar or on medication | 19.3% | 25.1% | 20.9% |
| Women with high blood sugar or on medication | 17.7% | 19.6% | 17.8% |
The urban population particularly reflects these trends, driven by lifestyle changes, lower physical activity, and shifts in diet.
Hypertension on the Rise Among Men
Hypertension rates among men in Tripura are also climbing, with those having elevated blood pressure or undergoing treatment increasing from 22.7% to 24.5% in NFHS-6, above the national average of 22.1%. This raises concerns about growing cardiovascular risks associated with combined diabetes and hypertension.
| Indicator | NFHS-5 | NFHS-6 | India NFHS-6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men with elevated blood pressure | 22.7% | 24.5% | 22.1% |
Nutrition Challenges: Rising Obesity and Persistent Undernutrition
NFHS-6 indicates a notable rise in obesity among women in Tripura, with the proportion of overweight or obese women increasing from 21.6% to 26.2%. Although still below the national average of 30.7%, the trend signals increasing lifestyle-related health issues, notably risks of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Interestingly, undernutrition still persists alongside obesity challenges. Approximately 17.9% of women and 18.5% of men have a Body Mass Index (BMI) below the normal range, highlighting a dual burden that complicates public health interventions.
Alcohol Consumption Remains High
Alcohol use remains significantly above national averages despite a slight decline. Alcohol consumption among women is 6.0%, much higher than the national average of 1.1%, while 29.5% of men consume alcohol compared to 18.9% nationally. Combined tobacco and alcohol use heightens risks of cancer and chronic illnesses.
Tripura’s Double Burden of Disease and the Road Ahead
The NFHS-6 survey clearly demonstrates that Tripura faces a dual epidemic of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The state grapples simultaneously with high rates of tobacco use, rising diabetes, increasing hypertension, growing obesity, continued alcohol consumption, and persistent undernutrition.
- Extremely high tobacco consumption among women and men
- Rising diabetes prevalence, especially among men
- Increasing hypertension among men
- Growing obesity among women
- Alcohol consumption above national averages
- Undernutrition coexisting with obesity
These overlapping health issues place substantial pressure on Tripura’s healthcare system and underscore the urgent need for integrated, targeted public health strategies.
Strengthening Tobacco Control and Preventive Healthcare Measures
Addressing tobacco use and lifestyle diseases requires robust public health interventions, especially focused on women who exhibit alarmingly high tobacco use rates. Experts recommend intensifying awareness campaigns, expanding tobacco cessation programs, and implementing community-based interventions. Routine screening for diabetes and hypertension is equally vital to enable early diagnosis and management, thereby reducing long-term health complications.
With ongoing improvements in social indicators, Tripura must prioritize combating tobacco use and lifestyle-related conditions to safeguard public health and curb future healthcare costs.
