Adolescent Users of Chewable Tobacco: Male / Female Personality Comparisons

Prevalence of chewable tobacco among adolescents has multiplied incite of ban on tobacco products. The study compares personality characteristics of 275 male and female users of chewable tobacco (gutkha, kharra) between 12 to 18 years using catell’s high school personality questionnaire. Significant differences were seen in intelligence levels with female users scoring less on intelligence (3.35) than male users (3.81). F females scored higher in expediency and evasion of rules (9.34) than males (10.38) and also had lower levels of self discipline and control (9.72) as compared to males (10.50). Programs for tobacco cessation need to build trust and rapport at initiation stage, target female users keeping in mind their more assertive self image and incorporate meaningful unstructured activities for them.