Smoking habit on the rise in BPO sector--study

According to researchers, smoking in the BPO population is fueled by peer pressure and the high disposable income available at a very young age.

Lead researcher of the study, Dr Gauravi Mishra, consultant department of preventive oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) stated, “This group learns to smoke in packs. They largely smoke during break time where smokers and non-smokers intermingle.

“The non-smokers because of being in constant touch with the smokers become passive smokers and eventually active smokers which is the prevailing trend.”

Smoking habits in 4 BPOs examined
In order to examine the smoking habits among call center workers, the researchers contacted 124 BPOs across the city for participation in the 18-month study. However, only four agreed to take part in it.

The study involved 646 employees, both men and women, with an average age of 20-25 years of age.

A marginal number of respondents were also under the age of 20 years. Forty one percent of the participants were smokers with eight percent being women.

Interviews with the participants revealed that although both smoking and smokeless forms of tobacco were consumed, cigarettes were the clear favorites.

Among the subjects, 253 were habitual smokers, 17 resorted to hookah, while the remaining opted for smokeless forms of tobacco like gutka, betel nut etc.

Many workers admitted to frequenting hookah bars to unwind, while there were others who indulged in their nicotine habit in the office corridors or washrooms.

Cessation program conducted
As a part of the study, a cessation program was carried out. The researchers from TMH distributed pamphlets on health issues related to tobacco consumption to the first BPO. The second one was offered lectures and discussions.

The team provided counseling sessions to nicotine users in the third BPO, whereas medication in the form of pharmacotherapy was offered to the smokers in the fourth BPO.

Outcome of the study
Mishra explained, “The initial follow-ups were difficult due to the high attrition rate in the sector. However, we worked along with the employees as per their timings and followed up for a year.”

At the close of the study, the investigators noted that while a little less than 20 percent of the smokers quit their habit in the first three BPO’s, exactly 20 percent were successful in giving up nicotine in the fourth BPO where medication was offered.

Other highlights of the study
An alarming fact highlighted by the study was that most of the educated young smokers were unaware of the potential hazards of tobacco consumption.

Another disturbing outcome of the study was the growing trend of smoking among women employees due to peer pressure.

“A lot of women admitted to smoking while several complained about passive smoking,” said Dr Mishra.