Socio-demographic profile of tobacco consuming students in age group of 15 to25 years in Jammu region

Abstract

Introduction: Consumption of tobacco leads to a myriad of ill effects among the smokers as well as those in their proximity. This study was conducted in the population in the age group of 15-24 years, the vulnerable period of life when most of health-related behaviours develop. Materials and Methods: 1.Study design: Cross- sectional study. 2. Participants: 300 students; 75 each from Schools, degree colleges, professional colleges and post graduate departments of University of Jammu, in the age group of 15- 24 years belonging to different regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. 3. Sampling: Stratified Systemic Sampling technique. 4. Study instrument: A subset of key questions from Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2nd edition. Results: Prevalence of smoking was 11.33%. Non indulgence in smoking was seen among students aged below 16 years, and was seen to be twice among over 20 years (16.77%) as compared to 17-19 years group (9.37%). Among male students, it was ten- times (20.66%) higher than females (2%). It was higher in government than in private institutions (13.33% vs. 9.33%). Prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption was 2%; 3.35% in ?20 years age group, 1.04% among 17-19 years and nil among ?16 year age. Male to female ratio was 5 to 1. Ratio of prevalence in Private institutions to government institutions was more than 3 to 1. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to curb the use of tobacco among the sub-groups of students with higher prevalence. This can be achieved by strengthening political and administrative will, implementing tobacco free school guidelines and establishing effective multi-sectoral coordination, as tobacco control is beyond the scope of health department. Keywords: Framework Convention for Tobacco Control, Global Adult Tobacco Survey, Non Communicable Diseases.