KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND AWARENESS ON SMOKING HABITS AMONG THE STUDENT POPULATION: A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED STUDY

Abstract

Background: The study is done to assess the awareness of smoking habits among the student population as there is a risk of an increase in the death percentage of students caused due to the smoking of tobacco-related products.

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and awareness of smoking habits among the student population such as Engineering, medical and dental students residing in the coastal areas of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam.

Materials and methods: The study was carried out among 364 students of the mean age group 18-25 years. It was organized through an online platform as a web-based survey via Google Forms. A series of 12 questions were inquired through the questionnaire. A proper statistical analysis was made and results were procured.

Results: Owing to the results obtained, we found that 92% of the students have never smoked traditional cigarettes. 91% of the students concede that passive smoking is harmful to health and 84% of the students admit that smoking e-cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) is detrimental to health. 83% of the students believe that healthcare professionals serve as role models for their patients and society regarding smoking habits.

Conclusion: The study implies that few students are unaware of the harmful effects of active and passive smoking. Needful counseling should be done and enough education should be provided to refrain from the risk of smoking.