Abstract:

Background: Tobacco use remains a major public health concern worldwide, contributing significantly to preventable illnesses and deaths. Changing users’ attitudes towards tobacco and increasing awareness of its harmful effects are essential components in reducing tobacco consumption. Educational interventions play a critical role in shaping positive attitudes and encouraging cessation.

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Public Awareness programme regarding ill-effects of tobacco use on Attitude of Tobacco users in the selected hospital of Odisha.

Methodology: A quantitative, pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. A total of 150 participants were selected. Data were collected using a Likert attitude scale after obtaining permission from relevant authorities and securing both oral and written consent from participants. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to evaluate changes in attitude scores.

Result and findings: Post-test findings revealed that 70% of participants developed a favourable attitude towards the effects of tobacco, 27% showed a moderately favourable attitude, and 3% exhibited an unfavourable attitude. Favourable attitudes were particularly observed towards information on tobacco use (70%), ill effects of tobacco (64%), and treatment and prevention (67%). No significant association was found between demographic variables and changes in knowledge or attitude scores.

Conclusion: The study highlights a positive shift in participants’ attitudes following the educational intervention. However, continuous efforts through targeted educational strategies, community support, and accessible cessation resources are crucial to sustaining behavioural change and reducing tobacco use.

Keywords: Awareness, Public, Attitude, Tobacco.