Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of smokeless tobacco abuse (like betel, and areca nuts) among high school adolescents at public high schools of Taluka Qasimabad District, Hyderabad, Pakistan.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among ninth and tenth class students using a predesigned questionnaire. Sample size was randomly selected 308 participants from age 13-16 years. Data analyzed was done through SPSS 23.
Results: The prevalence of betel abuse among high school-going adolescents was 14.6%. Areca nuts abuse prevalence was 57.1%.
Conclusion: High school-going adolescents had betel and Areca nut abuse problems. The role of parents and school administration is important to amended the risky behavior among adolescents.

Key words: Adolescents, betel, areca nut, smokeless tobacco, abuse.