Cigarette Smoking and Cessation Perception in Student Population in India: An E-Survey

Abstract

Background and objectives: Cigarette smoking is one of the major types of tobacco consumption seen worldwide. It contains the highest number of carcinogens and is associated with various forms of cancer. The early initiation of smoking is a cause of addiction and causing greater harm in younger population. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the patterns of cigarette smoking and cessation perception in college students in India. Methods: 1009 participants between the ages of 18 to 30 years were recruited in the study. Self-designed questionnaire was prepared in the form of Google forms and links were posted on social media (including E-mails, Whatsapp, Instagram and Facebook). Results: Out of 1009 participants 54.2% (n=547) 72.22% males and 24.27% females smoked cigarettes. 68.55% smokers were between the ages of 22 to 26 years. 67.1% smoked for the first time when they were in the age group of 18 to 21 years. More than 60% were daily smokers consuming 1 to 5 cigarettes/day. 38.19 of the participants wished to stop smoking and around 62% of the participants had never made and attempt to quit. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that more than half of Indian college students who participated in the study smoked cigarettes with the number of males being significantly higher than females. The study suggests for more tobacco prevention and cessation programs to be undertaken targeting the Indian student population leading to cancer prevention in later years of life. KEY WORDS: Cigarette Smoking, Cessation, Students.