• Dr. Pushpendra Kumar
• Dr. Titi Xavier
• S Manikandan

Background: Tobacco use among adolescents remains a pressing public health concern in India, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions where awareness is limited. Despite national campaigns and legislative efforts, young individuals continue to experiment with smoking and smokeless tobacco products, often unaware of their long-term health consequences. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of undergraduate adolescents regarding the effects of smoking and related tobacco products, and to identify demographic variables associated with knowledge levels. Materials and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 01st to 28th, 2017, among 100 undergraduate students enrolled in Government degree college in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. A structured knowledge questionnaire and demographic data sheet were administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to identify associations between knowledge levels and variables such as Age, gender, residence, stream of education, exposure to anti-tobacco campaign etc. Results: Only 18% of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge, while 42% had moderate and 40% had inadequate knowledge. Significant associations were found between knowledge level and gender (p = 0.009), father's education (p = 0.030), family history of smoking (p = 0.001), exposure to campaigns (p = 0.002), and stream of education (p = 0.019). Science stream and BSc students showed higher awareness compared to the Arts stream and Commerce steam students. Conclusion: The study highlights critical gaps in adolescent knowledge regarding tobacco-related health risks, particularly among non-science students. Targeted educational interventions, integrated curricula, and sustained awareness campaigns are recommended to address these disparities and promote informed decision-making among youth. Keywords: Adolescent Health, Tobacco Awareness, Smoking Effects, Undergraduate students, Cross Sectional, Descriptive study, Public Health Education, Knowledge Assessment, Tobacco Control.

Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Knowledge of undergraduate Adolescents Regarding the Effects of Smoking and Related Tobacco Products in Government Degree College, Jammu, J&K.

"Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Knowledge of undergraduate Adolescents Regarding the Effects of Smoking and Related Tobacco Products in Government Degree College, Jammu, J&K.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.4, Issue 4, page no.799-803, April-2017, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1704149.pdf

"Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Knowledge of undergraduate Adolescents Regarding the Effects of Smoking and Related Tobacco Products in Government Degree College, Jammu, J&K.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.4, Issue 4, page no. pp799-803, April-2017, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1704149.pdf