Pattern of Tobacco Smoking Among Adolescents in a Selected Community of Comilla District, Bangladesh
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Tobacco smoking is a major preventable cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with increasing prevalence among adolescents in developing countries. Early initiation of smoking increases the risk of long-term nicotine dependence and chronic diseases.
Objective: To assess the pattern of tobacco smoking and its associated sociodemographic, behavioral, knowledge, attitude, and IEC-related factors among adolescents in a selected community of Comilla district, Bangladesh.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 among 201 adolescents aged 14–19 years. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequency and percentage. Associations were tested using Pearson’s chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 16.34 ± 1.674 years, with 93.1% males and 6.9% females. Most (64.5%) had primary education, 64.5% were Muslim, and 54.2% lived in nuclear families. Monthly family income averaged BDT 13,906.40 ± 3,063.052. Overall, 54.2% were current smokers and 45.8% chronic smokers, consuming 4-6 cigarettes/day (51.2%). Initiation was primarily self-desire (54.7%) or curiosity (37.9%). Knowledge of health hazards was high (89.7%), with loss of memory (58.2%) most cited, followed by cardiovascular disease (51.1%) and asthma (46.7%). Positive intention to quit was reported by 89.2%, though 56.2% were neutral on cessation. Significant associations were found between education level and smoking status (p=0.004) and attitude toward quitting and smoking status (p=0.023).
Conclusion: Tobacco smoking is highly prevalent among adolescents despite high awareness of health hazards. Strengthening education, family involvement, and targeted IEC interventions is essential to reduce adolescent smoking.
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