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Tobacco use among adolescents in urban area of Bangladesh: A study in Dhaka city

Mohammad Jamal Hossain

Publication type
Journal Article
Article type
Research Article
Volume, issue
Volume 7, Issue 1 (May 2025)
Pages
17–37
DOI
Not assigned yet
Keywords
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Abstract

One of the most significant avoidable causes of mortality and sickness across the world is the use of tobacco products. Tobacco-related illnesses claim the lives of around four million people around the globe each year, which is equivalent to one death occurring every six seconds. According to the present trajectory, by the year 2030, there will be 10 million deaths annually, with one death occurring every three seconds. The risk of developing a tobacco addiction is high among college students. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use (including both smoked and smokeless tobacco products) among adolescents attending higher secondary schools in the city of Dhaka, as well as to identify the perceived variables that impact the decision of these adolescents to begin using tobacco. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 10 higher secondary schools and colleges in Dhaka city to assess their knowledge of health hazards and the practice of tobacco use. Findings revealed that the average age of starting tobacco use was 14 years. About 90% of adolescent students-initiated tobacco use before 15 years of age. Most of the adolescent students, 60%, had a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding health hazards. The majority, 80%, were consuming tobacco in the form of cigarettes. A greater part, 41.86%, were spending less than Tk.100 to buy cigarettes weekly. Almost more than half of the students thought that tobacco users were more attractive and smarter, and they smoked because of one of their family members in the present study.

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