Tobacco Use in Adolescents: Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour and Oral Health Impact among School Children Aged 12-15 in Lucknow.

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Abstract

Background: Tobacco use among adolescents is an emerging public health concern. Early initiation may lead to addiction and adversely affect oral health. However, limited information exists regarding the knowledge, attitude, behaviour and oral health impact of tobacco use among schoolchildren in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour related to tobacco use and its impact on oral health status among 12–15-year-old school-going children in Lucknow.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 249 adolescents aged 12–15 years visiting the OPD of SPPGIDMS, Lucknow. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding students’ knowledge of tobacco-related health effects, attitudes toward tobacco use, and behaviour related to tobacco consumption. Oral health assessment was performed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) to evaluate periodontal status. The treatment needs component of the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) was used to assess periodontal treatment requirements.

Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between boys and girls with respect to knowledge, attitude and behaviour related to tobacco use. Similarly, the distribution of CPITN scores showed no significant gender-based differences.

Conclusion: Gender did not influence tobacco-related knowledge, attitude, behaviour, or periodontal status among the participants. Despite high awareness, the presence of misconceptions and considerable periodontal treatment needs underscores the importance of comprehensive oral health education and preventive strategies targeting the entire population.

 KEYWORDS:

Tobacco; socioeconomic status; oral health status; CPITN; Adolescent.