A smoking survey of college students in India: implications for designing an antismoking policy

Jpn J Cancer Res. 1991 Feb;82(2):142-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.1991.tb01821.x.

Abstract

A survey of 599 college students was conducted in Andhra Pradesh, India, to formulate an anti-smoking policy for youth. There were 64.6% boys and 35.4% girls between 15 and 22 years, and 8.2% of students (n = 49, 48M + 1F) were smokers. It is a taboo for girls to smoke. There is no current anti-smoking policy and one is proposed based on the smoking survey results. The policy includes parental pressure to curb smoking, and a ban on (1) advertising of tobacco products, (2) smoking in public places and (3) teachers smoking in school. An increase in the price of cigarettes was approved by a majority of the students. The survey revealed a gap in the knowledge of students about the ill effects of smoking, which can be rectified by health education programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • India
  • Male
  • Smoking / epidemiology*