Factors Associated With Tobacco Use Among Adolescents in India

Abstract

Objective. To differentiate between the different types of tobacco users and analyze the association between types of tobacco users and factors like pocket money and peer and parental influence across most of the state in India using the data obtained from Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) between 2000 and 2004. Methodology. The GYTS data encompassed a representative 2-stage probability sample of students aged 13 to 15 years across 24 states and 2 union territories in India. These students were interviewed using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Result. A very strong association between users and pocket money was found in most of the states, with northeastern states having a very strong association—Sikkim, odds ratio (OR) = 8.43 (confidence interval [CI] = 6.08-11.69), and Manipur, OR = 5.58 (CI = 3.60-8.65)—after adjusting for close friend being smoker, close friend being smokeless tobacco user, parental influence, age, and gender. Conclusion. This study found a strong association between tobacco use by adolescents and having pocket money and close friends being tobacco users.