Knowledge on harmful effects of tobacco abuse among school going adolescents at rural areas of tiruvallur district of India

Abstract

Adolescents are vulnerable targets for the tobacco industry, being easily influenced by television, cinema, advertisements, and by their peers. Studies reveal that tobacco abuse is rising in adolescent age group in India, making the adolescents vulnerable to several health complications. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and abuse of tobacco and to find out influencing socio-demographic factors. A cross sectional survey was carried out in coeducational high school of Thiruvalur district among 100 students of VIII-IX standard.It was found that knowledge score was higher in females, students from nuclear families, and those with literate parents. Low prevalence of tobacco intake was obtained among the students, with 9.8% reported having ever used smokeless tobacco and 4.3% ever smoked. Tobacco intake was higher among those with a history of parental tobacco intake. Continued information education and communication (IEC) activities should be conducted by the school authorities, with involvement of nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and parents for primary prevention.