Research Article Open Access

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Areca Nut, Gutka and Tobacco Smoking amongst School Children in Karachi

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of areca nut, gutka and smoking amongst school children aged between 12 to 18 years. Methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted in August 2014 – December 2014. The study was approved by the ethical committee of Baqai Medical University. A cluster sampling technique was used and a total of eight private schools located in urban areas of Karachi were selected. A total of 1000 school children aged between 12 to 18 years were selected and a list of the children participated from grade eight to ten were obtained from the respective school authorities. A self-administered questionnaire was designed comprised of 14 closed ended questions about Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards consumption of areca nut, gutka and tobaccos smoking that were filled by the participants. Descriptive statistics were obtained and mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages were calculated. Chi- square test was done to assess the association of gender with areca nut consumption. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20. P- value<0.05. Result: Sixty two (83.8%) were boys and twelve (16.2%) were girls who agreed in consumption of tobacco product. Four ninety seven (76.5%) boys and 156 (23.9%) girls were aware of the harmful effect of utilization of areca nut, gutka and nicotine smoking. Two hundred and thirty three (85.3%) boys and 40 (14.7%) girls tried to quit these habits. Conclusion: The present study concluded that school going children lack Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding consumption of areca nut, gutka and tobacco smoking.

Aisha Wali, Dr. Talha M Siddiqui, Dr. Aneeqa Shahab and Dr. Anum Ejaz

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