Workplace Stress and Tobacco Use among Employees of an Institution in Central India: An Analytical Institutional Based Study

Abstract Introduction: Tobacco use remains a major public health problem in India. Occupational stress may drive tobacco use, but evidence among office-based employees in India is limited. This study assessed the association between workplace stress, family stress and tobacco use among employees in the western Vidarbha region of Central India. Subjects and Methods: A study was conducted among 250 employees aged 21–60 years in administrative offices and a government medical college in Akola. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used, and logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs). Results: Tobacco use was reported by 44.8% of participants, mostly in smokeless forms. Workplace stress (39.6%) and family stress (20%) were significantly associated with use. In multivariate analysis, workplace stress (AOR 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–3.84), family stress (AOR 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.73) and clerical/field roles (AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.02-3.65) remained independent predictors. Conclusion: Tobacco use among employees was strongly linked to psychosocial stressors. Workplace stress management, tobacco-free campus policies and family-focused interventions are needed to reduce tobacco-related harm.