ABSTRACT
Background: The present study is trying to find the intergenerational changes in substance use by the males of three generations of cobbler community in Mumbai. Cobbler community was an occupational group that engaged in cobbling activity by tradition.
Methods: For this study, inter-generational changes in substance use refer to the changes in the habit of receiving the various types of the drug by the male members of the household in consecutive generations (Grandfather, Father, and Grandson). The data for this study had been collected through the snowball sampling method from the 114 households. All three-generation (N = 342) has included for the present study. The analysis has done using the univariate and bivariate method using Stata/SE 12.0 software.
Results: Tobacco smoking and chewing, as well as alcohol addiction, is higher in most males of the second and younger generation, who are highly educated and engaged in the tertiary occupations. Substantial proportions of youths, who are still getting an education, are addicted to tobacco and alcohol. As for the cohabit of smoking and chewing tobacco with alcohol intake, the older generation is more vulnerable. In the small number of families, not one member of all three generations had ever consumed any substances, whereas, for most households, all three generations are the users of alcohol (33 out of 114), smoking (10 out 114), and chewing tobacco (03 out of 114).
Conclusion: Our study shows that positive changes in the habit of drinking alcohol, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco have occurred over the generation. The first generation was primarily involved in the occupation of cobbling; therefore, they might be addicted to focus on their work. The last generation, however, has changed their profession and also increased the level of education among them. Nevertheless, there is still an addiction to alcohol, tobacco chewing, and smoking-related substance among the males of all three generations.