Access to pocket money and low educational performance predict tobacco use among adolescent boys in Kerala, India

Background Tobacco use is increasing among adolescents. We conducted this study to find prevalence and correlates of tobacco use among adolescent boys in Trivandrum city, Kerala. Methods Using a two-stage cluster sampling technique, 1323 boys (12–19 years) were selected from 14 schools. Information on tobacco use, academic performance, pocket money, and other variables was collected using a questionnaire. Multivariate analyses were done to find associations between current use of tobacco and other variables. Results Prevalence of current tobacco use was 11.3% (95% CI 9.6–13.0). Current tobacco use was 2.9 times higher among older boys compared to younger boys (OR 2.9, CI 1.6–5.3), 2 times higher among boys whose fathers used tobacco (OR 2.0, CI 1.3–3.1), 2.9 times higher among boys whose friends used tobacco (OR 2.9, CI 1.6–5.1) compared to their counterparts, 3 times higher among boys securing poor (<40% marks) grade compared to those securing excellent (>80% marks) grade (OR 3.0, CI 1.4–6.6), and 4 times higher among those who received pocket money compared to those who did not (OR 4.0, CI 2.2–7.4). Conclusions Health programs to quit tobacco are suggested in schools with special emphasis on poor performers, those receiving pocket money, and those whose fathers and friends use tobacco.