Prevalence of ever tobacco use among school going adolescents in Rohtak district of Haryana

Abstract

Tobacco use is today's major public health concern in our country, which can be largely reduced by primordial and primary prevention. Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) India reported 17.5% of 13-15 year old students are using tobacco in some form. In Haryana state, a Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) was conducted in 2003 among school students in grades 7-10. The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of tobacco use and socio-demographic characteristics among school going adolescents.This cross-sectional study was carried out during the period of September 2012 to August 2013.Multistage random sampling was used in this studyThe study was carried out in Co-educational schools of urban area of District RohtakAppropriate statistical tests were used for analysis. It was found that, in rural areas, the prevalence of ever tobacco use was found to be 6.8%. The present study found that in urban areas, the prevalence of ever tobacco use was 7.0%. It was higher in males (10.2%) as compared to females (3.1%). This present study confirmed the high burden of tobacco use in these areas. Health education programs should be provided to adolescent students to raise the level of awareness of the hazards of tobacco use and to change their perceptions.