Epidemiological appraisal of tobacco users among college students in a north Indian town

Abstract

Tobacco use is one of the important causes of preventable morbidity & mortality. Worldwide there are 1.1 billion tobacco users with 182 million living in India. College students are highly vulnerable because of their young age, curious mind and adventurous behaviour. Considering potential risk, it was decided to ascertain trend, social risks and correlates of tobacco use among under-graduates in a north Indian town. 228 under-graduate students of a college were selected by stratified random sampling and studied during May – July 2018. Institutional approval and individual consent were taken. A pre-tested, structured proforma was introduced to students in small batches to obtain information on demographic traits, smoking habits and smoking related attributing factors. Data obtained was tabulated and statistically analysed. Majority of the students (67.1%) belonged to 21-25 years age. 65.7% were male and 15.79% of them were using tobacco. Girls didn’t indulge in tobacco. Significantly higher proportions of smokers were hostellers, belonged to lower middle class families from rural linage. Smoker’s son indulged in smoking significantly more than son of non-smokers. Imitating smoker father or brother found significantly contributory. 37-60% knew about ill effects of smoking through media or warning on packs. Study showed relatively petite trend with significant cognizance of adverse effects of smoking among collegiate portraying a favourable prospect anew from past observations. Identification of at-risk students is a felt-need and is advocated to be addressed among collegiate through periodic campaign.