IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Vijay Kumar Singh; Aniketh N. Gaikwad; Sundaram Kartikeyan

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2018

Tobacco use among rural adolescent males: A cross-sectional study

Vijay Kumar Singh, Aniketh N. Gaikwad, Sundaram Kartikeyan

Abstract :

This cross–sectional descriptive study using convenience sampling technique was conducted in rural Thane district in Maharashtra State on male adolescents aged between 15 and 20 years. A pre–tested formatted proforma was used to collect information on socio–demographic profile and self–reported tobacco use. The mean age of participants (n=180) was 17.80 +/– 1.19 years (95% CI: 17.63 – 17.97 years). Tobacco consumption by other family members was significantly (p=0.005) associated with adolescent tobacco use. The predominant factors for tobacco consumption among the current tobacco users (n=31; 17.22%) included social customs, peer pressure, feeling of well being and perception of tobacco use as a “status” symbol. On the Fagerström Scale, tobacco smokers had high dependency score (8+).