A study by scientists from NiMhans has shown a significant impact of media interventions in increasing the knowledge of participants on the risks of reproductive health associated with smoking and alcohol use.
The study is published in the Malaysian Magazine Psychiatry and is the first known attempt to assess the effectiveness of the short film intervention “Ray of Hope”, tobacco and alcohol addiction produced by NiMhans.
A study by focusing on the risk of reproductive health-th, which directly affects long-term elections of life-interants the critical layer to the ongoing discourse of public health to prevent the use of addictive substances.
Meena KS, Professor and Head of Mental Health Education Department, NiMhans, told the Hindes that young adults often deal with risky behavior due to peers and misinformation, which can affect their long -term reproductive health. Given the limited awareness of these risks in the Indian population, targeted educational interventions are essential, she said.
Before and after tests
The study was carried out with before and after tests to assess the knowledge of 44 university students about these risks. The questionnaire was in line with the 20 -minute film “Ray of Hope”, which dealt with the impact of smoking and alcohol on reproductive health, fertility and early aging. The test was given 14 days after intervention.
The results showed a significant increase in students’ knowledge of reproductive risks in addictive substance abuse, and the average score before the 6.32 test rising to 13.02. Participants have shown significantly improved awareness of harmful effects on fertility and early aging, said Dr. Meena, who is the corresponding author of the study.
Use of a substance
The study noted that the commencement of the use of addictive substances may begin at the age of 15 and spread to young adulthood, up to 24 years. A significant part of the Indian population falls into this age group and global tobacco survey for youth states that 15.5% of students in India are likely to take tobacco every year. Prevention of timely use of addictive substances in young people is an effective strategy to reduce the occurrence of unsurpassed diseases.
Similarly, involvement in sexual activity usually begins during adolescence and early adulthood. While most strive to establish a family, the use of psychoactive substances can endanger these aspirations. The study reported limited research on the impact of tobacco and long -term alcohol use on fertility and sexual dysfunction in the Indian population.
Dr. Meena said that a preventive approach to fertility behavior and their consequences focused on university students, “because this group said they would rather receive information about the risks of use of addictive substances around 20 years.” “Given that young people often believe that the use of addictive substances increases their appearance, helps them look more attractive or macho and increases their social identity, it is essential to solve these misconceptions in educational initiatives, she said.
Model for accessibility
The doctor pointed out that the film serves as a model for future health support strategies, said: “It is a success, shows that short, targeted media interventions can be both educational and engaging, allowing accessible health themes to the younger audience.”
This study suggests that medical educators and politicians should continue to examine the use of multimedia approaches in public health education, especially for questions such as reproductive health that have significant long -term consequences.
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Published – August 2025 21:59
