Tobacco use among Pre-university Students in Kannur, Kerala: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The data available on tobacco use by school children are weak, except in very few developing countries. Studies show that the more adolescents are exposed to tobacco marketing, the more likely they will smoke as adults. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of tobacco use among pre-university students in Kannur, Kerala and to estimate the knowledge about the ill effects and law to control tobacco products. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. The study subjects were the students of two higher secondary schools of Kannur, Kerala. The sample included all the students of the 11th and 12th class of the selected schools which amounted to 775. A questionnaire based on the WHO Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire was administered to fetch socio-demographic profile and data related to tobacco use and knowledge, attitude, and practices toward act to control tobacco products. Results: Out of 775 students, males were 43.35% and females 56.65%. Mean age was 16.32 +/- 0.656 years. 11.7% students tried smoking or chewing tobacco at least once. Among boys, the prevalence of tobacco use of any form is 19.04%. Among females, the prevalence of smoking is 5.92%. 88.12% were aware of the act regarding tobacco products. ajority of the students were aware of the prohibition of smoking in public places (90.12%). Majority of the study participants said that tobacco has ill effects (97.16%). Majority of the students do not know about tobacco use by other students of their class (69.29%). Conclusion: Prevalence of tobacco use especially smoking form in higher secondary school students is high.