A Study on Prevalence of Tobacco Use and Knowledge, Attitude, Practices among College Students of District Ambala, Haryana

Background: Tobacco is a leafy plant grown worldwide. Nicotine, an alkaloid found in tobacco, is the primary psychoactive substance in it. more than one-fifth of individuals aged 15 and older use tobacco in various forms. Tobacco is the leading preventable risk factor for premature illness and death. It poses a significant public health challenge, currently responsible for over 3 million deaths annually worldwide. If current usage trends persist, this number is expected to surpass 10 million by 2030. Rapidly changing social dynamics, evolving societal norms, and other influences have significantly fueled this trend, creating serious challenges for individuals, families, communities, and nations. India ranks as the second-largest consumer of tobacco after China. Methodology: The study was conducted in colleges in MMIMSR Ambala district over a period of one year. College students were given self designed, pre test questionnaires with five sections. The questionnaire covered socio demographic profile, associated factors. Informed consent was obtained from each participant, and confidentiality was maintained. The data was analysed using SPSS version 28.0, and Chi-square test was used to establish associations among qualitative variables. Results: The study results show that out of 455 participants, majority comprising in the age range of 18- 21 years (63.3%). 55.2% are females, Hindus were 69.9%, Physiotherapy and Medical studies are the most prevalent (15.2%), 3rd-year students (25.9%), 70.1% belong to nuclear families. 83.5% are unmarried, 63.3% are residing in hostel, 72.3% belong to the upper class. The prevalence of tobacco use comes out to be 35.6%. Conclusion: The study uncovered a considerable linkage between tobacco use and awareness among college students and several key factors including their course, gender, academic performance, peer pressure. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies, and promote IEC, BCC among the college students.