Prevalence of smoking in the students of English medium private schools in Tripura, India

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, smoking related diseases kill an estimated four million people every year. This number is predicted to rise to a staggering 10 million a year over the next two decades. Smoking leads, indeed, to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, lung disorders as well as several malignancies, including lung, throat, stomach, and bladder cancers. Early identifying smokers in this group and the associated determinants of smoking behavior can help reduce or stop cigarette consumption. The Objective of this study is to find out prevalence of smoking among adolescents aged 13 to 18 years studying in class 9th to 11th in English medium private schools in Tripura, India. Materials and methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out during November- December 2021 in faith based English medium private schools of Udaipur and Bishramganj subdivision of Tripura, India. A total of 565 students aged 13 to 18 years participated in this study from four schools. Results: The number of students participating from class 9th, 10th and 11th standard were 375 (66.4%), 85 (15%) and 105 (18.6%) respectively. The overall prevalence of ever smoker was 24.7% (95% CI 21.3 to 28.4%) among adolescents. The prevalence of ever smokers in male (38.6%) adolescents was more than female (7.7%) and differences between the male and female adolescents were significantly different (p value <0.05). Conclusion: Around one-fourth of the students studying in class 9th, 10th and 11th standard were ever smoked cigarettes or chewing guthka or pan masala.

Unintentional Injury, and Safety Related Issues among the Adolescent Students of English Medium Private Schools in Tripura, India

“…Where, p is the prevalence of smoking (29%), q is the 1-p, and, d is precision (corresponding to effect size). The level of confidence usually aimed for is 95%, with most researchers presenting their results with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI)] and other details of methodology were used in this study [14].…”

Current substance use patterns and associated factors among Ghanaian adolescents in senior high school

“…Evolving societal and economic factors have contributed to a rise in substance use, with notable trends including polydrug use and increased tobacco consumption among adolescent girls (7).…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified the issue of substance abuse, particularly among young people (13). Increased stress, isolation, and disruptions to daily life have contributed to a rise in substance use as a coping mechanism (7).…”