Tobacco use amongst the male medical students, wardha, central india

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aims: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the use of tobacco in the male medical students and to assess the factors influencing medical students to indulge in tobacco use. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the male medical students from June 2009 to December 2009. A pre-designed structured questionnaire was used to study various correlates of the tobacco use. Data was collected and analyzed. Results: Out of the 335 participants 50.7% was found to be tobacco users. Among these current users 77.1 % were pure smokers and 10% were uses smokeless tobacco. Most of users started tobacco consumption at the age of 16-20 years. The mean age and Standard Deviation of the study group was 21.34 ± 1.48 years. The residential background, i.e., rural or urban, and religion were not significantly associated with the use of tobacco in the present study. Hostellers were found to be more frequent tobacco users as compared to day-scholars. There was a familial aggregation of the use of tobacco. The factor initiating the use of tobacco was usually peer pressure. Conclusion: Significant tobacco use was found among male medical students and this harmful behaviour reduces health professionals’ ability to advise patients effectively. A comprehensive public health initiative is required to reduce prevalence of tobacco use in which efforts should be focused on support for cessation to medical students.