Prevalence and risk factors of tobacco use among urban high school boys in Turkapally, Telangana

Background: Studies on the prevalence and risk factors among school-going children are important. They provide data on the current trends of tobacco use among this vulnerable group. They also help to identify the risk factors and provide valuable data in policy planning. The prevention of tobacco use in this population is of paramount importance to prevent future consequences. Objective: The objective of this study is to study the prevalence and risk factors tobacco use among urban high school boys. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 532 government and private high school boys selected by the random sampling method. Data were collected by interview method using predesigned semistructured questionnaire. Results: Majority (35.5%) were of 12 years of age. Among smoke forms of tobacco products, most commonly known was bidi and cigarette by 97.2% of boys. The prevalence of tobacco use among boys of high school children in the present study was 7.7%. 73.1% were aware about the hazards of tobacco use. The prevalence of tobacco use was significantly more in children studying in government schools compared to private schools (P < 0.05). As the education class increased from VIII to X, the prevalence of tobacco use increased significantly (P < 0.05). It was significantly more in joint family as compared to children belonging to nuclear family. Father's education and social class were not found to be significant risk factors for tobacco use. Conclusion: The prevalence of tobacco use was high in the present study among high school children. It was associated with increasing age, children from government schools and children from joint family