Tobacco consumption behavior and its associated factors among in-school adolescent students of Saptari, Nepal
2025

Tobacco Consumption Behavior Among Adolescents in Nepal

Sample size: 225 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Anil Kumar Mandal

Primary Institution: Health and Physical Education Department, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Hypothesis

The study aimed to describe the tobacco consumption behavior of in-school adolescent students and its associated factors.

Conclusion

The study found that a significant proportion of adolescent students, particularly boys, consume tobacco, influenced by factors such as the tobacco consumption behavior of their fathers.

Supporting Evidence

  • 24% of students consumed tobacco, with higher rates among boys (18.7%) than girls (5.3%).
  • Students whose fathers consumed tobacco were over three times more likely to also consume tobacco.
  • Sex of students was a significant predictor of tobacco consumption behavior.

Takeaway

Many boys in Nepal are using tobacco, and it seems that if their dads use tobacco, they are more likely to use it too.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from students using a validated, self-administered anonymous questionnaire.

Potential Biases

Self-reported data may introduce bias due to social desirability or recall bias.

Limitations

The study was based on a cross-sectional design, which may lead to over- or under-estimation of data.

Participant Demographics

The mean age of students was 15.92 years, with 54.2% being girls and 96.4% identifying as Hindu.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.000

Confidence Interval

95% CI 2.375–12.872

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgph.0004139

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