Factors Associated with Tobacco Use in Students Attending Local Government Schools in Mumbai, India

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

1 Research Advisor, Salaam Bombay Foundation

2 Research Manager, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

3 Project Coordinator, Salaam Bombay Foundation

4 Programme Coordinator, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

5 Project Coordinator, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

6 General Manager, Salaam Bombay Foundation

7 Program Manager, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation

Abstract

 
Purpose: Factors associated with ever-use and differences between ever-users and non-users of tobacco among adolescent school students from low income families in Mumbai were assessed. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire, completed by 1918 students from grades 7, 8 and 9 in 12 schools managed by the city municipal corporation in July 2015, gathered data on socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco use and tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs. Results: Although only 1% of respondents thought tobacco was cool, nearly 35% were unaware of associations between tobacco use and health problems. Male students were almost twice as likely (OR=2.5, P <= 0.05) to have ever used tobacco compared to females and Supari (areca nut) users were eight times more likely (OR=8.99, P < 0.001) than Supari non -users. Tobacco-users were more likely to agree with statements: ‘People who use tobacco have more friends’ (OR=2.8, P = 0.004), ‘Smoking relieves stress’ (OR=5.6, P = 0.002) and ‘It is possible to purchase any tobacco product within 100 yards of school’ (OR=10.8, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the gains made by tobacco prevention campaigns in that almost all students did not consider tobacco as cool or a stress reliever. However, they still need education about health consequences of tobacco-use. In addition, Supari use has to be addressed in school-based tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives. Furthermore, programs must also address perceptions and norms related to peers and tobacco use and ensure active implementation of existing laws. Such integrated measures will help ensure tobacco-free spaces around schools.

Keywords

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Volume 17, Issue 12
December 2016
Pages 5075-5080

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 September 2016
  • Revise Date: 01 December 2016
  • Accept Date: 16 January 2017

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