Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
  • Year: 2014
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue: 4

Perceptions of School Children about Harms of Tobacco and Tobacco Control Laws

  • Author:
  • Yogesh K Shashikanth1, Nilesh D Ingole2, Parishi V Majmudar3, Gauravi A Mishra4, Surendra S Shastri5
  • Total Page Count: 7
  • Page Number: 7 to 13

1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, J.N. Medical College, KLE University, Belgaum, Karnataka

2Senior Resident, Department of Preventive Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra

3Medical Social Worker, Department of Preventive Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra

4Assistant Professor, Department of Preventive Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra

5Professor and Head, Department of Preventive Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Online published on 6 November, 2014.

Abstract

Globally, about 80,000 to 1,00,000 adolescents start smoking daily. As adolescents get addicted to tobacco much faster than adults, sensitizing them regarding harms of tobacco and various tobacco control laws is essential.

To determine the knowledge about harms of tobacco among school children and understand their awareness about tobacco control laws in India.

A cross sectional survey was conducted among tenth grade students aged 14–16 years in six schools in Mumbai using a self administered questionnaire. Awareness regarding harms of tobacco and tobacco control legislation was given next day.

Among 505 participants, mean age of the students was 14.69 years. None of them were tobacco users. Many students knew about forms of tobacco and were aware that tobacco was harmful but could name only a few health hazards. About 76% knew that smoking is banned in public places, 87.7% knew about warning signs on tobacco products, 96.6% felt that tobacco should not be sold to minors and only 36% knew that sale of tobacco was banned within 100 yard of schools. Most important source of information was television (88.5%) followed by newspapers (78.4%). Majority students (89%) felt tobacco should be banned and 98.4% were sure that they won't use tobacco in future.

There is a need to increase awareness among adolescents regarding various tobacco control policies and harmful effects of tobacco.

Keywords

Tobacco, School Children, Tobacco Control Laws, Health Hazards, Mass Media