Qualitative study on perception of parents, pan shop vendor’s and teachers about tobacco use among school going students to understand the reason of tobacco use.

Background: Tobacco use among school children is a serious problem in India. This study aims to understand the perception of parents, pan shop vendor’s and teachers about tobacco use among school-going students in South Mumbai. Methods: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted in South Mumbai among pan shop vendors, parents, and teachers to understand the reason for tobacco use among school going children. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed that students consume tobacco because of their family background, peer pressure, bad friendship, TV and media. Washrooms and rooftops are common for tobacco consumption; they use tobacco to create an identity that of an adult or mature person. Students force each other for having a minimum one puff of cigarette and hookah.Conclusion: Awareness programs through intervention should be implemented among students to educate them about the health risks associated with tobacco consumption and alternative safe methods to create a positive identity. How to cite this article:Patil N, Pattanshetty S, Narayanan P, Rayamane K, Rane P. Epidem Int. 2023;8(1):1-4. DOI: https://doi.org/2010.24321/2455.7048.202301