Knowledge And Attitude Regarding Tobacco and Its Use Among Adolescent Students

Authors

  • Kirthinath Ballal Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
  • Muralidhar Kulkarni Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
  • Ayushi Agrawal Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
  • Asha Kamath Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
  • Muthu Kumar Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India

Keywords:

Tobacco, knowledge, attitude, adolescents, school, cross sectional

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco consumption is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality all over the world. This habit is increas- ingly being taken up at an early age. Various factors have been implicated for the uptake of the habit including inadequate knowledge and unfavorable attitude.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban schools in a town, located in South-west Karnataka. The students belonged to 8th and 9th grade and were aged between 13 to 15 years. A self-administered questionnaire adapted from Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) was used for the study..

Result: A total of 1271 students participated in the study with equal participation from boys and girls. The mean knowledge score for the study participants was 14.57 ± 4.0. Approximately 36% of the students had poor knowledge and was significantly less in females compared to males. The knowledge score was signifi- cantly different with respect to parent’s occupation, their favorable or unfavorable attitude towards not using tobacco products and presence of a smoking family member.

Conclusion: In spite of several measures taken to improve the knowledge regarding tobacco hazards and laws among the ado- lescents, there are various barriers which need to be addressed for effectiveness of these interventions.

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Published

2016-06-30

How to Cite

1.
Ballal K, Kulkarni M, Agrawal A, Kamath A, Kumar M. Knowledge And Attitude Regarding Tobacco and Its Use Among Adolescent Students. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2016 Jun. 30 [cited 2024 May 4];7(06):519-23. Available from: https://www.njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/view/990

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 06 (2016)

Section

Original Research Articles

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