A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Ill Effects of Smoking Among Adults in Selected Rural Areas of Mysuru with a View to Conduct Flash Mob on Smoking and its Complications

Abstract

Background Smoking tobacco is an alarming issue in the present world. Nicotines dual-reinforcing effects play a major role in maintaining the smoking habit. Around half the smokers report smoking for enjoyment and stress relief. An intention to stop smoking cigarettes at a specific time a quit attempt is frequently followed by self-conscious resistance to smoking impulses that result in a period of abstinence. There is strong evidence that various behavioral therapies delivered via different modalities can be beneficial.Aim To assess the knowledge regarding ill effects of smoking among adults in selected rural areas of Mysuru with a view to conduct flash mob on smoking and its complicationsMethodology A pre-experimental study design was employed. A hundred subjects were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected by administering the following tools a personal proforma and a structured knowledge questionnaire regarding smoking. The reliability of the structured knowledge questionnaire was r 0.70 and the tools were found reliable.Results Adultsrsquo mean pretest knowledge score regarding smoking was 10.35plusmn3.36 with scores ranging from 18-4. The mean post-test knowledge score of adults regarding smoking was 17.10plusmn1.49 ranging from 20-13. During the pre-test 46 showed poor knowledge 41 showed average knowledge and 13 showed good knowledge. In the post-test the majority of the subjects 94 demonstrated good knowledge 4 showed poor knowledge and 2 showed average knowledge regarding smoking among adults. The paired t-test value was 9.34 which was more than the table value.Conclusion Hence it can be inferred that flash mobs were effective in enhancing knowledge among adults and the research hypothesis was accepted. There was an association between knowledge regarding smoking and the age of adults. Thus the research hypothesis was partially accepted.