A study to evaluate availability of tobacco cessation services in Bengaluru, India.

BACKGROUND

In India, 28.6 % of the population use tobacco products.

OBJECTIVE AND

METHODS

To evaluate the availability of tobacco cessation services in 101 hospitals in Bengaluru.

RESULTS

Only 4 out of 101 hospitals evaluated had a separate Tobacco Cessation Clinic; 24 % provided minimal services for people with addiction related problems; 28 % had at least one resident counsellor; additional 10 % had a visiting counsellor. All four of them provided counselling and medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Availability of tobacco cessation services in Bengaluru is minimal. It is important to upscale availability of cessation services both for tobacco and other substance use.