Impact of a Self-instructional Module on Passive Smoking Awareness among College Students in India: An Intervention Study
Abstract
Passive smoking is a major public health concern in India, increasing second-hand smoke exposure. College students often lack awareness of their health risks. This study evaluated a self-instructional module (SIM) to improve knowledge and examined demographic influences among degree college students in Udaipur, India.
A cross-sectional intervention study involved 50 participants aged 18–25 from a western Indian city. A 30-item questionnaire assessed knowledge in health effects and prevention domains. Pre-test scores were recorded, followed by a bilingual SIM intervention, with post-test scores collected after 1 week. Paired
t
-tests evaluated knowledge gains (H
1
), and Chi-square tests analysed demographic associations (H
2
).
The SIM increased mean knowledge scores by 44.6% (9.71 - 23,
P
< 0.001), supporting H
1
, with the largest gains in prevention (5.4). High scores (≥21/30) rose from 4% to 62%. Pre-test knowledge was significantly associated with gender, education and prior smoke exposure (
P
< 0.05), supporting H
2
.
The SIM effectively enhanced knowledge, supporting its integration into India’s National Tobacco Control Programme. Targeted interventions and digital SIM delivery could further reduce exposure.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 50 participants or records.
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