Patterns of Tobacco Use Amongst Engineering College Students in Ahmedabad District

Dr. Punit G. Patel; Dr. Anand G. Shah; Dr. Vijay L Goplani

Volume : III, Issue : VII, July - 2014

Patterns of Tobacco Use Amongst Engineering College Students in Ahmedabad District

Dr. Punit G. Patel, Dr. Anand G. Shah, Dr. Vijay L Goplani

Abstract :

Purpose: Smoking is currently the single leading preventable cause of death. Anyone with a smoking habit has an increased chance of lung, cervical, and other types of cancer; respiratory diseases such as emphysema, asthma, and chronic onchitis; and cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Though some people believe some and of cigarette are safer, it also carries health risks. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 engineering students of three engineering colleges of Ahmadabad with pre designed questionnaire which included Current smoking status, starting age, and average consumptions per day were obtained. Data was collected after explaining the purpose of the study and verbal consent was obtained from each patient. Results: Mean age of students was 19.4 year with 1.9 SD. Out of total 250 students , 47 (18.8%) were found to be current smokers. Theprevalence of current smoking among 22-23 years age group was 40% followed by 20-21 years (24.1). Proportion of current smoker among students with parentral history was 40.1%. Majority of students (87.5%) were smoking less than 5 cigarette per day and 5% of students were smoking more than 10 cigarette per day. More than 2/3rd (80%) of students were spending up to 200 rupees per week. Around 40% of students were not willing to quit. Conclusion: Present As demonstrated in this study, significant factors were lower socio-economic class, personal reasons and female sex, these factors must be taken into account while giving health education. Sound referral system can also minimize treatment delay