Tobacco use among migrant adolescents of Udupi District, Karnataka: A survey of knowledge, attitude and pattern of use

Introduction: Tobacco consumption in multiple form is a growing threat to the health of Indian adolescents, especially those from low socioeconomic communities. Objectives: The objective of the study were to assess the knowledge, Attitude and pattern of tobacco use among migrant adolescents. Materials and Methods: A descriptive survey was under taken among 180 migrant adolescents of Udupi district, using structured questionnaires Results: Findings of the study showed that, 27.7% of migrant adolescents were using tobacco. The tobacco use was seen only among the male adolescents. More than half of the male adolescents were using any one form of tobacco, where as it was not seen among female adolescents even occasionally. Out of 180 adolescents 43.9% of them had good knowledge about ill effect of tobacco use. Conclusion:Findings of the study showed The study concludes that tobacco use is prevalent among male migrant adolescent. There is a need to initiate community based intervention considering the underprivileged population.