The Impact of Peer Pressure on Adolescents’ Smokeless Tobacco Use: An Exploratory Study

Smokeless tobacco use among adolescents is a growing concern in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. This study examines the relationship between perceived peer pressure and smokeless tobacco use among adolescents. Data from 60 adolescents revealed that 40.00% reported low smokeless tobacco use, 33.33% moderate use, and 26.67% high use. Perceived peer pressure levels showed 46.67% experiencing low, 25.00% moderate, and 28.33% high levels. Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between perceived peer pressure and smokeless tobacco use (r = 0.293, p = 0.019). Regression analysis confirmed that perceived peer pressure significantly predicts smokeless tobacco use (F (1, 58) = 14.653, p = 0.019), with a standardized coefficient (β) of 0.293, explaining 8.6% of the variance (R² = 0.086). These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing peer influence to reduce smokeless tobacco use among adolescents. School-based programs and parental awareness initiatives are recommended strategies for effective tobacco prevention.