Assessment of Tobacco Literacy Among Adolescents of a District of West Bengal: A Qualitative Study

Background and Aim: The Global Youth Tobacco Survey-4 reported use of tobacco products among 8.5% of Indian boys. Adoption and continuation of this unhealthy habit is hugely influenced by the individual, family, peer-groups and community. The study aimed to assess the knowledge gap among study participants on the harmful effects of tobacco, functionality of antitobacco initiatives by the Government, and to recommend ways to speed up momentum in antitobacco activities. Materials and Methods: Over 1½-year a qualitative study was done in 8 blocks of a district of West Bengal by conducting focus group discussions (FGDs) among peer educator boys aged 15–19 years using an FGD guide and analyzed with QDA Miner lite, 2022. Results: Content analysis of narrations revealed knowledge gaps on the harmful effects of tobacco, governmental initiatives, and existing regulations. Two-dimensional map showed coding co-occurrences for in regard to tobacco products and their harmful chemicals to awareness on health effects, economic impacts, and governmental antitobacco activities with positive correlation. From FGDs recommendations on conducting sustainable awareness activities at individual, school, neighborhood, and community levels, and the need of regulatory enforcement were emphasized. Conclusion: Participatory activities by adolescents by working at “own” with overarching actions at the community level can bring about tobacco-free norms and environment to live in a future health-conducive world.