Prevalence of Tobacco Use and Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of School Children towards Tobacco Consumption in and Around Kanpur City

Aim: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of tobacco consumption among rural and urban school children aged 12-17years.Material&Mehotds: A descriptive questionnaire cross-sectional study was performed in rural and urban schools from March to June 2018. Total 2790 school children were included in study of both genders. The study was then conducted by enrolling the students, and collected data were analyzed by using appropriate statistical software. Results: Of the 2790 students, 740 students were aware that tobacco is hazardous to health and 810 students were aware about passive smoking exposure outside home.1040 students were aware of anti-tobacco warnings on tobacco packets and 430 students were ready to start consuming tobacco if it is provided free to them. Total number of tobacco non-consumer students was more than those who were consuming tobacco and female students were less in number. Out of 2790 students, aged 15-16 years students were found more in number of tobacco consumption, mainly in rural schools. Conclusion: The present study suggests the need for school based educational programs regarding harmful effects of tobacco and make students and their families more aware and motivate them to stop and eradicate the use of tobacco among all age groups.