Demographic survey of opinions towards smoking: a pilot study.

A survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire, on 865 smokers to analyse their opinions towards some general aspects of smoking. The subjects were mostly males (97.11%) and belonged to the age group of 21 to 50 years (80%). Heavy smoking is injurious to health is the opinion of most of the smokers (90.41%) particularly when maintained with other addictions (80%); tobacco is harmful not only when smoked but also when used in other forms (63%) and moderate smoking may not be much harmful (43%). However, smoking is not necessary to make or maintain relations with others (70%). Statutory warning has no marked effect on the habit (69.83%), the role of legal restrictions is dubious but advertisements encourage the habit definitely (62.54%). Three out of 4 persons know the problems of smoking and almost the same proportion of the people think that smoking can be stopped or at least checked. But there is difference of opinion about the person to be consulted, if any such problems arises from the habit of smoking. Family physicians may play an important role in controlling the habit.