21% Students From Low To Middle Schools In Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal Uses Tobacco: Study

Last Updated:May 27, 2025, 13:09 IST

The study, published in Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research, reported that most students used tobacco in smokeless forms (76%).

As many as 21% of high school students in Namakkal, a rural district in Tamil Nadu, reported using tobacco with many starting as early as 13 years. The study, published in Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research, reported that most students used tobacco in smokeless forms (76%).

A total 300 students between Classes 9 to 12 in Ernapuram block, Namakkal were surveyed by scientists to learn about uses of tobacco among children. It was found that 63 students (21%) disclosed using tobacco, among them 51 were boys and 12 were girls. As per the study, only nine boys admitted to using tobacco through the questionnaire process held as part of the survey. While 42 boys and 12 girls admitted to smoking in a confidential in-person interview.

A study on tobacco product usage among students revealed that the majority, 76% (or 48 of the 63 students) preferred smokeless tobacco, while cigarettes were the second choice for 19% (12 students), and 5% (3 students) used beedis. Some students reported starting smokeless tobacco as early as class 4 (9 years old), with the average initiation age between 13 and 15 years.

The duration of tobacco use varied, with 5% of students indicating one year, 6% reporting two years, 41% mentioning three years, 43% stating four years, and 5% having a five-year history. The average duration of use was approximately 3.37 years.

On the other hand, 16% of the students reported using tobacco 2-3 times per week, 28% used it 4-5 times per week, and the majority, 56%, used it more than five times weekly. All the students belonged to low to middle-income socioeconomic backgrounds.

“The early age of initiation, with some students starting as early as 4th grade and an average initiation age of 13 to 15 years, underscores a critical period during adolescence where tobacco prevention efforts are essential.” it stated.

“The duration data, with most students reporting three to four years of usage, indicates that initiation of tobacco usage by most of the students correlates with the lockdown period of India during pandemic and Sustained use over time, further highlights the potential for long-term health impacts,” the report further added.

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