Publication:

Tobacco smoking perception and practice among pre-university students in a government boy’s college: a cross sectional study

Background Tobacco is the single most preventable cause of death in the world hence this study was aimed at detecting the prevalence of tobacco smoking among students of a government pre-university college for boys, to find out the perception of students about tobacco smoking and factors related to the tobacco smoking among students.

Methods A cross sectional study conducted among purposively selected students of Government Pre-university College for boys. Data was collected through pre-structured questionnaire. Tobacco smoking was assessed by self reporting by filling the questionnaire.

Results The prevalence of ever use of tobacco smoking was 13.7% and current smokers were 5.6%. Mean age of starting smoking was 14.16 yrs. 66% of students were aware that tobacco smoking can lead to cancer. In majority (81.1%) of ever smoked students, their friends have motivated them to smoke for the first time. 93% of students knew that passive smoking is injurious to health. 83% of students felt that tobacco should be banned. Having a smoker in the family (p=0.035) and a student residing away from parents (p=0.007) are positively associated with ever smoking tobacco.

Conclusions Tobacco smoking is prevalent among the boys of government pre-university college students. Majority of students have better perception about tobacco smoking. Familial support and peer involvement are crucial in controlling the tobacco smoking.