A Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding the Hazards of Tobacco Use Among the Drivers in Selected Areas of Lucknow

Background of the Study: Several countries have taken measures to control the consumption of tobacco with usage and sales restrictions as well as warning messages printed on packaging. Additionally, smoke-free laws that ban smoking in public places such as workplaces, theaters, and bars and restaurants reduce exposure to second hand smoke and help some people who smoke to quit, without negative economic effects on restaurants or bars. Tobacco taxes that increase the price are also effective, especially in developing countries. Even though the Government took many steps to decrease tobacco use like MPOWER, tobacco use is increasing day by day especially among the weaker sections of the society due to the lack of awareness regarding the hazards of tobacco consumption. So, the researchers decided the need of this study to be carried out. Objective of this study is to assess the knowledge regarding hazards of tobacco use among drivers. Materials & Methods: Descriptive research design was adapted for this study. The study was conducted at auto stand of Kursi road and St. Mary’s Polyclinic Road, Lucknow. 60 drivers who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected as samples for study, using purposive sample technique. The data collection instrument consists of three sections. Section A include personal data, Section B include clinical variables and Section - C consists of standardized questionnaire with 25 questions to assess the knowledge regarding hazards of tobacco consumption. Results: Findings of this study revealed that 36.67 % of the rickshaw drivers were having adequate knowledge regarding the hazards of tobacco use, 53.33 % of rickshaw drivers having moderate knowledge and the remaining 10 % of them were having inadequate knowledge regarding hazards of tobacco use. Conclusion: The study findings showed that samples who participated in this study predominantly have good and moderate knowledge regarding the hazards of tobacco use. Regardless of having good or moderate awareness related to the hazards of tobacco use, prevalence of tobacco use is very high among auto/rickshaw drivers.