Effects of tobacco use and attitude towards anti-tobacco activities: a cross-sectional study among school students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT

Use of tobacco begins early in childhood and builds up to lifelong habit. The present study determined the knowledge of school students regarding the effects of tobacco and attitude towards anti-tobacco activities. This cross-sectional study was carried out at four schools [Grades IX to XII] in Ajman. A self-administered questionnaire was used focusing on the knowledge regarding tobacco use among adolescents, reasons for initiation, associated health risk, and social problems; previous participation and willingness to participate in anti-tobacco activities. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed using SPSS 19. 229 male and 182 female students [mean age 15.6+1.1 years] participated. Grade XII, XI, X, IX students constituted 31.4%, 29.4%, 29.7%, and 9.5% respectively. 328 [79.8%] were aware of the use of cigarettes, shisha, midwakh, chewing and sniffing tobacco among adolescents. About 75% indicated the possible reasons for initiation to blend with friends, elevate mood, and to deal with family problems [Females more than males p<0.05]. More than 80% were aware of associated health risk and social problems [Females more than males p<0.05]. The social problems stated were problems with family, peer and teachers. As regards the level of health risk, 66.9%, 52.8%, 48.7%, felt that severe risk is associated with cigarette smoking, chewing tobacco, and smoking midwakh respectively. The source of their knowledge included television, internet and newspaper. About 66.2% had advised individuals to quit tobacco; 21.2% participated in anti-tobacco activities. Suggested measures to increase awareness were through media, seminars, workshops and student groups in schools. More than 75% were willing to participate in anti-tobacco activities, and 63.5% interested to give talks on the effects of tobacco. The students possessed positive attitude towards anti-tobacco activities and had knowledge of the health and social effects of tobacco. Active participation of adolescents in anti-tobacco activities can help to root out the problem of tobacco use among adolescents