High Tobacco Use Among Students in Lucknow: Study Reveals Alarming Trends
Tobacco use among students remains high
The Times Of India
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A recent study in Lucknow found that 21.7% of government school students consume tobacco, with family habits and media exposure being significant contributors. The research highlights the need for stricter enforcement of anti-tobacco laws and increased parental awareness ahead of World No Tobacco Day.
- 0121.7% of surveyed students, aged 12 to 13, consume tobacco products, primarily supari mixed with tobacco.
- 0270% of students reported tobacco vendors near their schools, indicating poor enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003.
- 03Family tobacco use significantly influences children's habits, with over half of the students having family members who smoke.
- 0480% of tobacco users reported seeing tobacco use in media, linking exposure to increased consumption.
- 05Only half of minors attempting to buy tobacco products were refused due to age restrictions.
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A study conducted by the public health dentistry department at King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow revealed that 21.7% of government school students are tobacco users, with most starting between the ages of 12 and 13. The survey, which included 836 students from classes 8 to 10, found that 48.3% of tobacco users consumed supari mixed with tobacco, while 20.3% used supari without tobacco. Key factors contributing to this trend include easy access to tobacco products near schools, with 70% of students reporting vendors outside their institutions, and family habits, as more than half of the students had family members who used tobacco. Media exposure also played a role, with 80% of users witnessing tobacco use in movies or television recently. Experts emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003, and increased parental awareness to combat this issue.
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The high rates of tobacco use among students indicate a public health concern, necessitating immediate action to reduce exposure and consumption.
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