Pattern of Tobacco use among Higher Secondary School Children in the Rural and Coastal Areas of Kerala - A Prospective Study

Abstract

The increasing incidence of tobacco consumption among adolescents is a matter of concern for the parents and public health professionals, it is proved that the incidence id going up in spite of the best efforts by the Government, nongovernmental organi- zations and media. It is estimated that the prevalence of tobacco habits among boys in the rural and coastal areas is as high as 29 %, at the same time the tobacco habits is not a serious public health issue among girls in the coastal and rural areas of this region. Close relatives are tobacco addicts for majority of those children who use tobacco and its products.