An exploratory study of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to tobacco use and secondhand smoke among women in Aleta Wondo, Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundBy 2030, the Sub-Saharan African region is projected to be the epicenter of the tobacco epidemic. While smoking prevalence is currently low among women (< 2%), the prevalence among men (7.7% overall and up to 27% depending on region) makes exposure to secondhand smoke a pressing concern for women and children. To prevent the uptake of smoking among women and address tobacco-related risks, including secondhand smoke exposure, a greater understanding of women’s related perceptions is needed. The purpose of this study was to explore Ethiopian women’s knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, and the potential influence of contextual factors including; khat use, exposure to pro- and anti-tobacco messaging, and religious affiliation.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a systematic household sampling technique and an adapted interviewer-administered survey was conducted in Southern Ethiopia. The survey was administered to 353 women, 18–55 years of age, in Aleta Wondo town and surrounding districts between August–October 2014 (95.2% cooperation rate).ResultsGeneral awareness of harm associated with personal tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke was high (> 94%); however, specific knowledge of associated health-risks was limited. More than 96% perceived female tobacco use as socially unacceptable. At the same time, more than 70% were able to name potential benefits of using tobacco for both personal consumption and non-personal use. Respondents reported greater experimentation with khat versus tobacco and 73% reported that their religion significantly influenced their tobacco-related attitudes. Overall, there were higher reports of exposure to anti-tobacco (70%) versus pro-tobacco (49%) messaging, in the last 30 days.ConclusionsThe high level of awareness of health risks associated with tobacco use and SHS exposure and the high exposure to anti-tobacco messaging are community-level strengths that can proactively be built on to prevent the projected disease burden associated with tobacco. Findings have implications for the development of contextualized gender-specific tobacco control interventions, particularly in relation to the promotion of smoke-free homes.

Retrospective Policy Analysis of Tobacco Prevention and Control in Ethiopia

“…Unless strong periodic monitoring of tobacco smoking, evaluation of tobacco control intervention and sustained vigilance on tobacco industry interventions are implemented, the impact of tobacco use will continue to claim the lives of thousands. The level of public awareness regarding regulations and prohibitions of tobacco use and its devastating health consequences remain very low in Ethiopia (24,43). This finding agrees with lessons from other countries in Africa and around the world (44,45).…”

“…The level of public awareness regarding regulations and prohibitions of tobacco use and its devastating health consequences remain very low in Ethiopia ( 24 , 43 ). This finding agrees with lessons from other countries in Africa and around the world ( 44 , 45 ).…”

Knowledge of secondhand smoke and behaviour towards its exposure among teachers in Mauritius

“…Prev. Cessation 2020;6(May):32 https://doi.org/10.18332/tpc/120940 associated with tobacco use and SHS exposure was limited 16 . Another study among school children and community adults in four cities in China, India, Mexico and England showed that the specific health effects of tobacco use and SHS exposure were poorly understood 17 .…”

“…Children are even more vulnerable to the toxicity of SHS as their body is still developing 7 , 10 , 11 . There is also well-established evidence that exposure to SHS by pregnant women is associated with low birthweight 6 , 12 , risk of cot death 6 , 13 , middle ear infection 6 , 14 , 15 and exposure of children to lower tract respiratory infections 6 , 14 , 16 , 17 . A recent study among women in Ethiopia showed that respondents’ knowledge on the specific health risks associated with tobacco use and SHS exposure was limited 16 .…”

“…There is also well-established evidence that exposure to SHS by pregnant women is associated with low birthweight 6 , 12 , risk of cot death 6 , 13 , middle ear infection 6 , 14 , 15 and exposure of children to lower tract respiratory infections 6 , 14 , 16 , 17 . A recent study among women in Ethiopia showed that respondents’ knowledge on the specific health risks associated with tobacco use and SHS exposure was limited 16 . Another study among school children and community adults in four cities in China, India, Mexico and England showed that the specific health effects of tobacco use and SHS exposure were poorly understood 17 .…”