Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Public Health Dentistry, KLE VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum, Karnataka
2 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever
faced. Tobacco use is a significant public health problem worldwide and the single‑most preventable
risk of human health. Mass media anti‑tobacco advertisements can reach large sections of the society
and increase awareness about the harms of tobacco use and increase quit attempts.
METHODOLOGY: This cross‑sectional study was conducted to find out the awareness of anti‑tobacco
advertisements and to assess the influence of anti‑tobacco advertisements among 16 to 18‑year‑old
students in Belgaum city. A self‑structured, close‑ended, 26‑item questionnaire was distributed to 600
preuniversity students. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data, tobacco usage status,
questions related to awareness about anti‑tobacco advertisements, and influence of anti‑tobacco
advertisements on attitude toward tobacco use. Frequency distributions and percentages were
examined for each item and Chi‑square test was used.
RESULTS: Majority of the study participants (89.4% males and 86.7% females) were aware of the
anti‑tobacco advertisements. Television and movie theaters were considered as the most effective
means for anti‑tobacco advertisements. Nearly 90.8% had noticed the statutory warning which is
shown during tobacco products’ usage on television/movies. Almost 78.35% of males and 90.6%
of females had a positive change in attitude toward tobacco use due to influence of anti‑tobacco
advertisements.
CONCLUSION: There is an increased awareness on anti‑tobacco and this has been proved to be
effective in motivating them to quit tobacco as well as stop them from initiating tobacco use.
Keywords
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