A cross section study on tobacco consumption practice in school going adolescent male of Jamnagar city, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background: Tobacco is the second major cause of death in the world. About 5 million people die every year due to tobacco use and this figure may increase to 10 million tobacco related deaths per year by 2020. The most susceptible time for initiating tobacco use in India is during adolescence and early adulthood, ages 15-24 years.Most tobacco users start using tobacco before the age of 18 years, while some start as young as 10 years.Tobacco consumption habit in adolescents is particularly an eye opening situation for any country. Methods: School based cross section study in school going adolescent male was carried out to find out prevalence of tobacco consumption among them and to identify factors affecting it. Chi-square test was applied as test of significance and p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Prevalence of tobacco consumption in any form of tobacco in school going adolescent male was 54.25%. Prevalence of tobacco consumption was highest in age group of 17 to 19 years (55.29%). Chewing of tobacco in various forms was identified as main form of tobacco consumption by adolescent male. Family problems, social problems, economic problems, problems with friends and addiction in family members or friends were identified as main factors that affected tobacco consumption by school going adolescent male. Conclusions: It is urgent need of time to address the tobacco consumption by adolescent age group specifically adolescent male. Strengthening of various IEC activities and strict implementation of present laws related to substance abuse. Role of family and society should be identified and practiced for prevention and control of this novel epidemic.