Prevalence of Smoking Behavior Among 10-19 Years Children in Peshawar

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Smoking is a major public health problem and is one of the major preventable causesof premature deaths and diseases in the world. Fourteen to sixteen year olds are among a vulnerablegroup of individuals in society and susceptible to cigarette smoking. The objective was to find out theprevalence of cigarette smoking in the 10-19 year old students.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four randomly selected public and privateschools of Peshawar in 2014. 500 students between 10 to 19 years participated in the study throughsimple random sampling technique. Data was analyzed on Excel.Result: Of the total 130(26%) smoked and majority belonged to low socioeconomic status. 70(53.84%)started smoking at the age of 14-16 years. The study revealed that adolescents are adequately aware ofthe harms of smoking. Overall the level of awareness was found unsatisfactory. Parents can set apositive example for their children by not smoking themselves, and keeping their homes smoke-free alsoschools can provide tobacco prevention programs to educate students about the dangers of smoking.Keywords: Smoking, Prevalence, Socioeconomic, Awareness, Initiation.