Tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents in Northern India.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol and cigarette usage are major public health issues that particularly affect young people worldwide. Because most users begin using these drugs well before the age of 18, there are significant psychosocial and health consequences. This study seeks to identify the incidence of underage drinking and smoking in northern India and the multiple risk factors associated with this exposure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents (13-18 years) from Northern India, to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice of usage of alcohol and tobacco. The study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire for interview purposes and analyzed via Epi Info version 7.

RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 16.15 (1.34) years, of which 65.74% are males and 34.26% are females. 18.25% of students stay in a hostel. Of 108 participants, about 24.07% of students have tried their first cigarette before 18 years of age. 28.70% of students have people in their homes, and 41.67% have friends who use tobacco. Among the 108 respondents, 26.85% of students have tried or used alcohol before 18 years of age.

CONCLUSION: It is crucial to create preventive techniques to lessen tobacco use in light of the significant negative health effects that come along with tobacco addiction. Spreading awareness among at-risk children and adolescents by limiting advertising and promotional efforts, early user detection and treatment are all examples of preventive techniques.