Prevalence of tobacco smoking and KAP about smoking among medical students in a private college in Central Kerala

Background: Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death, killing more than 5 million yearly. Smoking among health care personnel such as medical students is an important public health issue. This study was done to understand and in future find effective measures to reduce tobacco smoking among medical students. Objectives: To find the prevalence and to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of tobacco smoking among students of a Private Medical College in Central Kerala. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study, using pretested, anonymous questionnaire, was conducted in a private medical college in central Kerala and proportions, test of significance like χ2and t test were used. Results: Out of 342 students, 26 (7.6%) were smokers; Males 25 (21.0%, out of 119), females 1 (0.44% out of 223), 72 (21.1%) had ever smoked; of which 60 were males (50.42%) and 12 (5.38%) were females; 82 (24%) had family members who smoked; 196 (57.3%) had relatives who smoked; and 184 (53.8%) had a smoker in their friend circle. 68.4% of students do not like to socialize or engage in activities with smokers. 17 (53.2% of smokers) want to quit smoking; 17 (51.5% of smokers) claimed to have a relapse. Conclusions: Smokers are predominantly more between 21-26 years of age. Most of students started the habit of smoking between 16-20 years of age, therefore it is necessary to bring positive behavioral changes through adoption of comprehensive awareness programs on harmful effects of smoking among adolescent school going children.