Use of and attitudes toward tobacco and alcohol among adults in southern Sri Lanka.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The adverse health effects of tobacco and alcohol are well known. Alcohol consumption is increasing in Sri Lanka, but few population studies have been conducted. The objective of this study was to document tobacco and alcohol consumption levels among adults in southern Sri Lanka and to identify the main reasons for using or refraining from alcohol and tobacco products. Tobacco and alcohol use within Sri Lanka is relatively common, particularly among adult males. Reasons given for smoking and drinking frequently relate to social and image-based motivators. Women may be especially susceptible to the influence of peer pressure in social situations. Public health efforts should consider the use of demographic-specific anti-tobacco and anti-alcohol messages, as the motivators driving behavior appear to differ across gender and age groups.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Lombardo, S; Perera, B; Beaudry, L; Grad, J; Maselko, J; Ostbye, T

Published Date

  • September 2013

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 44 / 5

Start / End Page

  • 880 - 899

PubMed ID

  • 24437324

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC4169263

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0125-1562

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • Thailand