IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-8-2-18029 Original Research Paper TOBACCO SMOKING AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF A MEDICAL COLLEGE UP Dr. Kesari HV Dr. February 2019 8 2 01 02 ABSTRACT

 

Background: As future physicians, medical students will be the backbone of tobacco prevention and control program. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate the prevalence, pattern, knowledge and attitude among undergraduate medical students towards tobacco smoking.

Methods: The printed copies of pre–tested, validated, self–administered questionnaires were distributed to participants. The data was tabularized and analyzed. 

Results: In present study, overall prevalence of tobacco smoking was 34% and that of current tobacco smoking was 20.4%. Majority of current smokers were male (87.9%), hosteller (91.4%), with positive family history (57.7%), willing to quit (63.9%), with adequate knowledge (90%) and favourable attitude (76.5%).

Conclusion: Despite high prevalence; medical students have adequate knowledge, favourable attitude and are willing to quit tobacco smoking. So, they will respond well to tobacco prevention and control program.