Women & health
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This study examined gender differences in patterns of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use among various socioeconomic and demographic segments in Bangladesh and India, which are home to 80 percent of global SLT users and share similar sociocultural milieus. The objective was to provide evidence of whether gender-focused interventions and policies might be helpful for SLT cessation programs. Data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey were used for the analysis. ⋯ However, in India, a similar observation was made only for females with rural residences. In addition, the odds of SLT use was less among those with a higher level of education and wealth, irrespective of the sex or country. The present findings suggest a need for gender-specific policies and interventions for SLT control.