Exploratory Study on Tobacco Use among Adolescents Sreedevi P A1, Sreejamol M G2, Joy Febu Elizabeth2 1Professor, Amrita College of Nursing, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham University, Health Science Campus, Kochi-41, Kerala 2Asst. Professor, Amrita College of Nursing, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham University, Health Science Campus, Kochi-41, Kerala *Corresponding author: Ms. Febu Elizabeth Joy Asst. Professor, Amrita College of Nursing, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, AMRITA Vishwavidyapeetham University, Health Science Campus, Kochi-41, Kerala, Contact No. 9544025485, Email id. febuelizabethjoy@aims.amrita
Online published on 18 July, 2017. Abstract Background of the study The increasing burden of tobacco-related diseases, particularly oral cancer, in India bears a direct association to the increase in consumption of a wide range of tobacco products. Adolescents are the most vulnerable section of the population exposed to tobacco use. Objective to explore the extent of use of tobacco use among adolescents, knowledge and attitude of adolescents towards smoking Materials and method A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The sample consisted of 200 adolescents studying in plus one and plus two of a selected private higher secondary school of Ernakulam District, Kerala. Data were collected using Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results Out of 200 subjects, 44(22%) subjects used cigarettes even one or two puffs during their life time. Majority 22(50%) of them used tobacco for the first time between the age of 14–15 years. Approximately 22% of the students stated that they live in homes where family members smoke in their presence and nearly half of the students (44%) are around others who smoke in places outside their home. Majority of them 137(68%) have average level of knowledge and 38(19%) have good level of knowledge regarding smoking. More than half of the ever smokers (57.1%) reported that they want to stop the tobacco use but 42.9% said that they don't want to stop tobacco use Conclusion The findings of the study show that tobacco addiction is emerging as a big threat among adolescents. There is urgent need for implementation of the comprehensive tobacco control program. Top Keywords adolescents, Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), tobacco use, knowledge, attitude. Top |