Disease and Health Research: Recent Developments Vol. 1

Background: Second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure is an important public health concern among adolescents, who may encounter tobacco smoke within households and public places. This study assessed perceptions regarding SHS among school-going adolescents in Kolar, Karnataka, and examined selected sociodemographic factors associated with perception scores.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 351 adolescents aged 13-16 years studying in selected rural and urban schools of Kolar taluk. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling approach. Data were collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, SHS exposure, and perceptions regarding SHS. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, an independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 351 participants, 178 (50.7%) were male and 173 (49.3%) were female. Rural and urban students constituted 50.1% and 49.9% of the sample, respectively. A total of 127 participants (36.2%) reported living with a habitual smoker. Grandfathers (50.3%) and fathers (29.9%) were the most frequently reported household sources of SHS exposure. Shops (41.8%), bus stops (32.4%), and markets (17.3%) were common public exposure settings. Urban students had higher mean perception scores than rural students (17.8 ± 3.0 versus 16.7 ± 3.4; p = 0.001). Perception scores also differed significantly by class, with 10th-standard students recording the highest mean score (18.2 ± 3.2; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: SHS exposure was common among school-going adolescents in Kolar, particularly through household members and public places. The findings support the need for school-based awareness activities, the promotion of smoke-free homes, and strengthened implementation of tobacco-control measures.