AWARENESS ON HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SMOKING AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Smoking is a major public health problem in the world. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of disease, disability, and death worldwide. Tobacco kills 15 times as many people as suicides, murder or manslaughter. Tobacco, alcohol and betel use are the main major factors for causing oral cancer.The purpose of this study was to  assess the knowledge and awareness on harmful effects of smoking among high school students. This was a questionnaire based cross sectional type of study comprising 100 high school students from the pupil school, Chennai. A self-designed questionnaire contains 10 questions based on the knowledge, awareness on harmful effects of smoking among high school students. Questionnaires were circulated through an online website survey planet. After the responses were received from 100 participants, data was collected and analysed.92% of students are not smokers and 8% smoke to get pleasure. 94% of students are aware that smoking causes cancer and it is injurious to health.  54 % of students are aware that smoking causes lung cancer such as COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). 73% of students are aware that it can be cured by counselling, by anti-nicotine medication and by doing proper exercise. According to the above survey we conclude that, the students have adequate knowledge and are aware of harmful effects of smoking. However, more intensive awareness programs should be initiated to eradicate the harmful effects of smoking among school students.