Knowledge and Perception about Health Risks Associated with Tobacco Habit — A Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Nicotiana tabacum, a South American herb, is the main source of tobacco. The use of tobacco for medicinal purposes emerged in the 1400s, and later in 1800–1900, the presence of nicotine in tobacco was discovered, leading to tobacco abuse. Apart from tobacco use, manufacturing tobacco, packaging, and even disposal of cigarette butts and packages have an environmental effect. Tobacco is available in different types from manufactured cigarettes, hookahs, bidis, cigars, cheroots, and chewing tobacco. The main aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of health risks associated with tobacco habit in tobacco users. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among tobacco users visiting a private dental institution. A total of 100 participants were involved, and a questionnaire containing 21 closed-ended questions was prepared and distributed online using Google Survey Forms. The responses were collected, tabulated in excel, and statistically analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square test was done to assess the knowledge of the participants regarding the health risks of tobacco. Results: The majority of the participants smoked everyday for the past 3–10 years. Manufactured cigarettes were predominantly used among the 100 participants. The majority of the participants were aware that smoking causes lung and heart diseases in adults. Most of the participants were also aware of passive smoking. Conclusion: Immense programs regarding disposal of cigarette butts and awareness in young adults should be practiced to reduce the consumption of tobacco.

Keywords

Awareness - health hazards - tobacco - tobacco cessation

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
01. November 2021

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