Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

First Advisor

Dr Shafquat Rozi

Second Advisor

Dr Nargis Asad

Third Advisor

Dr Mohiba Ali Khowaja

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: juvenescence is considered a vulnerable phase of human development that brings significant changes, which are marked by physical, emotional, and psychological transformations. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are prevalent among teenagers and have a substantial impact worldwide. Around 30%-60% of adolescents in Pakistan suffer from anxiety and depression, and about 13.7% use tobacco in different forms. The study aimed to assess the association between anxiety and depression with tobacco consumption and its prevalence, among adolescents aged 14-18 years.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted involving 277 enrolled adolescents from private and government institutions, selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Demographics, tobacco consumption habits, and awareness were assessed using questions adapted from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). Anxiety was screened using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), while depression was evaluated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-adolescents (PHQ-A), all gathered through a structured questionnaire. The relationships between anxiety, depression, and tobacco consumption were analyzed using logistic regression.
Findings: The findings of the study revealed that the prevalence of anxiety and depression among adolescents was 53.07% and 54.51% respectively. Among adolescents, 24.91% were using tobacco in different forms. Logistic regression analysis indicates that females report higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to males, with rates of 69.39% and 68.31% respectively. This difference is likely influenced by other contributing factors. The prevalence odds of having anxiety (POR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.54–6.69, p = 0.002) among users is 3 times higher, similarly, the prevalence odds of having depression (POR = 4.22, 95% CI: 1.82-9.75, p = 0.001) among users is 4 times higher.
Conclusion: The study results in a statistically significant association between tobacco consumption, anxiety, and depression among adolescents aged 14-18. 5 These findings emphasize on the need to address both mental health issues and the factors contributing to teenage tobacco use. Raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco and providing mental health education can help teenagers reduce tobacco use and improve their overall well-being. To tackle the increasing frequency of tobacco consumption and its detrimental health effects, it is essential to implement comprehensive prevention programs that offer counseling, education, and support services. Additionally, regular mental health screenings should be included in public health campaigns, along with tobacco cessation programs for young people

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