Abstract

A STUDY ON DESIGNING AWARENESS MATERIALS AND MODELS FOR SMOKING CESSATION: AN EVALUATION STUDY

Karthik B.K.* and Vishwas A. T. L.

ABSTRACT

Background: Smoking is one of the major risk factors for development of cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It is one of the causes of mortality in the world and responsible for over 5 million deaths per annum. Aim: To design awareness materials for smoking cessation and evaluate the knowledge of participants before awareness program. Methodology: This is an evaluation and awareness study design. Totally 780 participants in and around Tumakuru were included based on inclusion criteria. The pamphlets, posters and thermocol models were prepared and used to create awareness about smoking cessation. The demographic details, smoking details, health issues and knowledge about smoking were collected by using profile form. Statistical analysis includes mean, percentage, pie charts and bar graphs were done by using Microsoft excel. Results: Among 780 participants, maximum numberof participants were found in the group of 60-75 (38.5%) and current smokers found to be 635 (81.5%) participants. Hypertension 228(33.4%) is the major medical condition suffering by the participants. Among smokers they are commonly using beedis 368(57.9%) more compare to cigarettes. Habit 326 (51.3%) is the main reasons for smoking and 97.8% of them having knowledge about only smoking leads to cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion: Our study concludes that habit is the main reasons for smoking and hypertension is the major diseases suffered by the males because smoking is one of the major risk factors. Participants are having less knowledge about rules, regulations, prevention and control programs. So, awareness programs are essential to quit smoking and prevent disease complications.

Keywords: Smoking, Cigarettes, Hypertension, Cancer, risk factors.