Tobacco Using Behavior among Youth Residing in Urban Slum Areas in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Tobacco usage among underprivileged youth has an increasing trend, not been researched adequately. Objective: To assess the prevalence of tobacco using behavior among youth (15-24 years old) residing in the Colombo district urban slum areas, Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 1435 youths using a cluster sampling technique combined with probability proportionate to size technique, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A current user was defined by usage during the past 30 days. Results: Mean age of initiation was 15.44 years (95% CI 15.29 - 15.58). Thirty percent of the sample did not have any type of tobacco using behaviors, 50.7% were current users. The current smokers, betel chewers, and tobacco and areca nut packet chewers were found as 20% (95% CI 18.6-22.2), 21.6% (95% CI 19.5-23.8), and 32.9% (95% CI 30.5-35.3) respectively. Among them, 48.8%, 47.9%, and 40.3% were daily users, respectively. Commonly used products were cigarettes (92.4%), quid with betel leaves, tobacco, areca nut, and lime (63.6%), and mawa (71.9%). Conclusions & recommendations: The youth residing in urban slums should be identified as a high-risk and priority group. Targeted programs should be conducted to them to direct quitting and initiation of tobacco behaviors.