Abstract

Background: There is a dearth of research in our nation on the prevalence, initiation, and use of smokeless tobacco among kids. The people who use tobacco products for a long time and at a young age are the most vulnerable. Due to the young age of onset, intervention is vitally necessary to shield this vulnerable group from addiction. The variables most commonly cited as contributing to children beginning to use tobacco are peer pressure, parental tobacco usage, and pocket money given to children. The goal of the research is to shed light on this. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on April 25 and 26, 2024 at three schools from Zemabawk, Aizawl, Mizoram. 90 students were included in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed accordingly. Results: Of the 90 samples that were taken, 73.3% of the pupils had tried smokeless tobacco and 26.6% had not. In response to peer pressure, 13.3% of students have used smokeless tobacco; under stress, 20% have used smokeless tobacco; and 42.2% have tried smokeless tobacco for enjoyment. Of the students, 58.8% utilize smokeless tobacco products once daily, 6.6% consume them twice daily, 3.3% consume them three times daily, and 18.8% consume them more than three times daily. The majority of students—43.3% opposed, followed by 27.7% strongly disagreeing, 20% agreeing, and 8.8% extremely agreeing—said they enjoyed using smokeless tobacco products.