Tobacco Habits among the Youth in Bangalore City, India: a Survey

Background:Oral cancer is globally recognized as a major oncological problem. Tobacco in the form of chewing/smoking is one of the main etiological factors of oral cancer. Tobacco habits are usually initiated during adolescence; hence this survey focuses on eliciting the various aspects of the tobacco habit among the youth.

Objectives: To elicit and evaluate various aspects, practises of tobacco habits; attitude towards the habit and oral cancer awareness among the urban youth.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 1000 individuals in the age group of 15-24 years in Bangalore city. The target group comprised of college students and young officials. The results were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using SAS software.

Results: The findings in our study showed tobacco usage among 15.8% (158) of the study population, among which there were no females. Out of 158, 13.4% smoked, 0.9% had the habit of chewing tobacco and 1.5% had both. 17 - 18 years was the most common age at which the habit was initiated. 28% responded regarding tobacco associated oral cancer, out of which 3% were unaware that tobacco causes oral cancer. 6% had the intention of quitting the habit.

Conclusion: Oral cancer awareness programs are the need of the hour. The vulnerable, impressionable young adult age group should be urgently addressed. It is the responsibility of every oral health professional to impart knowledge and motivate the youth to put an end to the tobacco menace.