Abstract

Uday L. Bachhav, Bhagyashree S. Kale, Krutika N. Patil, Mrunali S. Patil, Jayesh H. Patil, Kalyani B. Pawar, Labhesh G. Patil and Sughosh V. Upasani*

ABSTRACT

Introduction - Smoking cessation is a significant public health priority, with pharmacists playing a key role in assisting individuals to quit smoking and mitigate associated health risks. Tackling smoking addiction necessitates a thorough understanding of its various aspects, including the addictive properties of tobacco, its detrimental health effects, and the dangers of second-hand smoke exposure. Pharmacological and behavioural interventions, such as nicotine replacement therapies, alternative pharmacological options, and counselling techniques, are vital tools for effective cessation. Equipping pharmacy students with the necessary knowledge and skills through targeted education and surveys prepares them to overcome barriers, educate patients, and implement effective strategies, enhancing public health outcomes. Materials and Methods - A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed among participants using convenient sampling. The questionnaire included questions related to smoking, its adverse effects, and various cessation methods to evaluate awareness of smoking cessation. Data management and statistical analysis were performed using Microsoft Excel software. Results and Discussion - A total of 359 male students were participated. The findings, summarized in Table 1, reveal that among the 291 participants, a significant proportion (81.1%) are from nucleated family type and lacked adequate awareness of effective and positive smoking cessation strategies. Conclusion - The majority of teenage participants were unaware of effective methods for quitting smoking successfully and completely. Awareness programs, social campaigns, expert talks, and educational lectures are crucial in addressing this lack of awareness and fostering healthier behaviors.