A Study on the Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption , Tobacco Use and Sexual Behaviour among Adolescents in Urban Areas of the Udupi District , Karnataka, India

Abstract

abstract:Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of alcohol consumption, tobacco use and risky sexual behaviour among adolescents, and to evaluate the socioeconomic factors potentially influencing these behaviours. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2011 among 376 adolescents (15-19 years old) studying in different schools and colleges in Udupi, India. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire and guidelines were followed for data collection. Participants' alcohol consumption, smoking habits and sexual behaviour patterns were explored. Univariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression was done. Results: The prevalence of alcohol consumption, tobacco use and sexual activity was found to occur in 5.7%, 7.2% and 5.5% of participants, respectively. The mean age of the participants' first sexual activity, consumption of alcohol and tobacco use was reported to be approximately 16.8 years. Multivariate analysis showed that males were more likely to have used alcohol and tobacco. Other factors, such as religion and tobacco use among family members, were found to be influential. Conclusion: The potential coexistence of multiple risk behaviours in a student demands an integrated approach. Emphasis should be placed on health education in schools and an increased awareness among parents in order to prevent adolescents' behaviours from becoming a risk to their health. Keywords

Prevalence and determinants of substance abuse among youth in Central Kerala, India

“…8 Median age of initiation of alcoholism was 18years in the present study similar to a study in Udupi, Karnataka which found as 16.8years. 9 Least age of alcohol consumption in our study was 5years. Our study revealed 24.4 % of parents, 29.9 % of relatives and 46 % of friends were having substance abuse.…”

“…This is similar to the study in Udupi which showed males consumed more alcohol and tobacco and factors such as religion and tobacco use among family members were found to be influential. 9 A study among males in Thiruvananthapuram showed that religion and sociodemographic factors such as marital disharmony, poor income, poor education and unemployment are significantly associated with alcohol dependence. 5,6 …”

A cross sectional study on tobacco and alcohol abuse among medical college students

“…25.92% used tobacco for stress relief, curiosity and peer pressure. 10 However Ramanan et al found in their study that 44.4% of respondents too alcohol for fun or desire to taste, thus showing that curiosity about alcohol is a strong reason for its consumption.…”

Appraisal of risky behaviour of youth populace and ndash; a vulnerable venture

“…5 Here the risk behaviors are very much exacerbated in college going youth populace of South Chennai.…”