The Carcinogenicity of Smokeless Tobacco- Are the Young People Aware? | [Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College • 2013]

Author(s):

1. Zain Ul Abideen: Department of Anesthesiology, Holy Family Hospital and Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

2. Syed Arshad Sabir: Department of Community Medicine, Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

3. Jawad Zahir: Department of Anesthesiology, Holy Family Hospital and Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

4. Tabish Hussain: Department of Anesthesiology, Holy Family Hospital and Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

5. Hyna Fatima: Department of Medicine, Holy Family Hospital and Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

6. Hina Farooq: Department Of Medicine, KRL hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan

7. Amina Elahi: Medical Student, Rawalpindi Medical College. Rawalpindi, Pakistan

8. Abdullah Abbasi: Medical Student, Rawalpindi Medical College. Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract:

Background: To determine the awareness regarding the carcinogenicity of smokeless tobacco products(SLT) amongst adolescents and youth and identify potential predisposing factors associated with poor awareness. Methods: This cross sectional study included adolescents and youth age groups (10-24 years of age) A self designed questionnaire was used to interview 423 respondents who visited medical and surgical OPDs. Information was collected upon demographic variables in addition to the awareness, family use and use of smokeless tobacco. Perception about carcinogenicity of tobacco was analyzed in relation to gender and educational status Results: The mean age of the respondents and users was 21 and 21.6years respectively. Seventy eight (18.44%) users of SLT were identified. Majority (95.6%) were aware of SLT use in the area and greatest awareness was about Niswar (90%). Majority (82.5%) considered SLT harmful for health. Awareness about carcinogenicity of tobacco was statistically high (OR=3.09) in educated subjects. In 61.5% family use of SLT was present. The most common sources of knowledge were social contacts (60%). Most (68.8%) respondents considered SLT less harmful then smoking. Conclusion: Awareness regarding carcinogenic effects of SLT is inadequate.

Page(s): 265-267

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College, Volume: 17, Issue: 2, Year: 2013

Keywords:

smokeless tobacco , Carcinogenicity

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