An exploratory study to assess the Knowledge regarding the adverse effects of active and Passive Smoking among adolescents in selected Sr. Secondary Schools

Smoking involves burning substances—most commonly dried tobacco leaves rolled in rice paper to form cigarettes—and inhaling the resulting smoke. Passive smoking, or second-hand smoke, refers to the involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke by non-smokers in the environment. Scientific consensus confirms that exposure to second-hand smoke leads to significant health risks, including disease, disability, and death. These findings have prompted widespread implementation of smoke-free laws in public spaces [1]. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Structured Teaching Programme on adolescents' knowledge regarding the adverse effects of active and passive smoking in selected senior secondary schools in Kaladwas, Udaipur. Using an exploratory, observational survey design, the study included 100 adolescents chosen through simple random sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and knowledge levels, and analyzed using SPSS version 20 [2]. Results indicated that before the teaching intervention, 70% of adolescents had only moderate knowledge, and 30% had inadequate knowledge about smoking’s harmful effects; none demonstrated adequate knowledge. The highest knowledge score recorded was 28, with a mean of 15 (SD = 2.43), and scores ranged from 11 to 19, yielding a mean percentage score of 53.57%. These findings highlight a gap in awareness among adolescents about the dangers of active and passive smoking [3]. The study concludes that structured educational interventions can improve adolescents’ knowledge regarding smoking risks. It underscores the need for nurses and healthcare professionals to actively engage in tobacco cessation and prevention strategies as part of their routine practice. Furthermore, mass awareness campaigns are recommended to bolster knowledge and reduce tobacco-related health hazards among youth. The results have significant implications for nursing education and public health efforts aimed at smoking prevention in adolescents [4].