TOBACCO ABUSE AMONG ADOLESCENT STUDENTS IN RURAL AREAS OF MALAPURAM DISTRICT
Abstract
Tobacco is the most potent risk factor for many diseases globally. Each day 80000-100000 adolescent children start smoking tobacco. Half of those who start smoking during adolescence are projected to go on smoking for 15 years or beyond hence it is important to target our activities among adolescents. In India, the prevalence of use of any form of tobacco among school going adolescents (13 -15 years) has been reported to be 17.5% (2005).
Objectives: To assess the prevalence of tobacco consumption among school going adolescent children in the rural field practice area of MES Medical College, Perinthalmanna, Kerala.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was done among school going adolescent children during February - March 2015. Sample size was calculated as 1257. Using PPS Sampling 6 schools were selected. Data was collected using a questionnaire in Malayalam after taking consent from the head of the institution and individual students.
Results: Questionnaire was administered to 1251 students and 1104 completely answered ones were analyzed. Majority (52.3%) were 14-15 years old. Gender distribution was equal. 7.06% had ever used some tobacco product. Of the 70 who were currently smokers, 12 were regular users and 58 occasional users. Most of them started between 12-14 years but four had started even before age of 10. Thirty-two students reported using smokeless tobacco products. Most (98.9%) knew tobacco use is harmful and 93.7% knew that smoking has been prohibited in public places. One-third (34.7%) received these information from media and 46.6% from books.
Conclusion: The prevalence is lower than global or Indian prevalence.
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