摘要：Background: Risk perception for a disease significantly influence practice related to it. The study examined the perceived risk of tobacco use in COVID-19 disease causation and severity among healthcare professionals (HCPs) of India. Methods: We carried out this explorative cross-sectional online survey among 687 HCPs across India during December 2020 using a self-administered, structured ‘google form’ (an online data collection tool). The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Educational stream (Dental) [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.25 (1.25-8.42)] [Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH)] [AOR: 3.00 (1.15-7.80)], marital status (currently married and staying with spouse) [AOR: 0.43 (0.26-0.71)], perception of tobacco form that increases risk (only smoking) [AOR: 11.64 (5.96-22.71)] (both smoking and smokeless) [AOR: 22.25 (11.09-44.63)] and current tobacco user [AOR: 1.59, 95% CI: (1.04-2.42)] were significant multivariable attributes of perception of tobacco use as risk factor for COVID-19 disease causation (63.0%). Marital status (currently married and staying with spouse) [AOR: 0.50 (0.28-0.88) and perception of tobacco form that increases risk (only smoking) [AOR: 12.93 (7.31-22.87)] (both smoking and smokeless) [AOR: 27.78 (14.40-53.59)] were identified as independent multivariable attributes of perceived risk for COVID-19 disease severity (77.9%). Perceived risk of tobacco use in COVID-19 disease causation and severity were significantly associated with their tobacco cessation advice-giving behaviour to their patients (73.9%) and family members (66.7%). Conclusion: Three in every five HCPs perceived that tobacco increases risk of COVID-19. Sensitization workshops on several aspects of tobacco control need to be organized for HCPs.
