Abstract :
Introduction: Changing lifestyle in the present era is engulfing the youth in risky behavioural
practises prepondering themselves to the morbidities once thought of old age.Tobacco intake
is one of these risk factors. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and pattern of
tobacco use among young adults (15 to 24 years) attending a tertiary care centre of Central India.
Methods: One to one interview was conducted with the participants who consented. Tobacco use was
categorised as ever used, current use or never used.
Results: A total of 954 participated in the study with a mean age of about 19 years. About 30% of the
participants had ever used any tobacco product while 16% were current users, initiating it at around 12-
13 years of age. Use was higher among males while females were exclusively using smokeless tobacco
products. Among smoked form cigarette (64%) is the most consumed product while hooka is the least
(7%). Kharra is the most commonly used smokeless tobacco product.
Conclusion: Use of tobacco products among youth is rising and becoming a major public health concern.
The habit of tobacco use starts usually from the initial years of adulthood, targeted efforts must be directed
towards our youth so as to avert them.
Keyword :
Tobacco use, Smoked Tobacco, Smokeless tobacco, Young adults, Tertiary care setting