Prevalence Of Addictions Among School Children Of Selected Schools In Trivandrum City

Guided by: Dr. J. Suhara Beevi

Assistant Professor in Medico Sociology

Dept. of Community Medicine

Government Medical College

Trivandrum

Submitted by: Sonu Manuel, Sony Raj

A cross sectional study was conducted to find out the prevalence of addictions among children of three different schools in Trivandrum city and influence of socioeconomic status in this. The tool used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. 150 students each of age group 15-18 from three different schools were selected as study subjects. The study period was spread over a short period from 01/10/2008 to 01/11/2008.

The data obtained was analysed by statistical methods and prevalence of addictions and the influence of socioeconomic status in it was found out.

The main results obtained are:

1. Smoking is most prevalent addiction (6.4%)
2. Prevalence of pan chewing is 3.3% and prevalence of drinking is 2.2%.
3. Addictions are more prevalent among low income group.
4. Addictions are more prevalent in Govt. Medical College Higher Secondary School.
5. Most of the children start addictions after the age of 12.
6. Most of the children start addictions by the influence of friends.
7. Most of the children are aware of the harmful effects of addictions.