%A Anjum, Md Shakeel %A Srikanth, Madipally %A Reddy, P %A Monica, M %A Rao, K %A Sheetal, A %T Reasons for smoking among the teenagers of age 14–17 years in Vikarabad town: A cross-sectional study %9 Original Article %D 2016 %J Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry %R 10.4103/2319-5932.178733 %P 80-83 %V 14 %N 1 %U https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=2319-5932;year=2016;volume=14;issue=1;spage=80;epage=83;aulast=Anjum %8 January 1, 2016 %X Background: Despite widespread knowledge of the health consequences, tobacco use, especially smoking is common globally. Most of the youngsters become smokers annually and one-third of them are believed to die due to tobacco use. Aim: To assess the various reasons for smoking among teenagers of age 14–17 years. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 384 teenagers to know their views regarding the reasons for smoking habit. A specially designed pretested questionnaire was used for the survey. Results: Majority of 76.4% of the study subjects agreed that smoking habit gives psychological pleasure, 77.5% agreed that smoking starts because of friends, and 65.7% felt that smoking starts as an inspiration for outlook and personality. Conclusion: Various psychological factors, personal factors, and social factors are attached with smoking habit. %0 Journal Article %I Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications %@ 2319-5932