Cigarette Smoking Practices, Perceptions and Awareness of Government Policies among Pharmacy Students in Niger Delta University in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the growing problem of cigarette use, we still do not have accurate information on the prevalence and pattern in Nigerian adolescents. This study evaluated the smoking habits and associated contextual correlates among pharmacy students in a tertiary institution in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional research was conducted involving 210 students and utilizing pre-tested and validated questionnaires. Data was analyzed with SPSS. 16. Majority of respondents (66.4%) were aged 21-25 years; the male-female ratio was 1:0.9 and 99.3% were Christians. Smoking prevalence was 12.9% and more prevalent among males; age of smoking debut was 16-20yrs; (46.1%); majority (83.3%) smoked 1-5 sticks of cigarette per day; 16.7% and 33.3% respectively of males and females quitted smoking at the time of the study. Reasons given for quitting included knowledge of health hazard (100%), to set a new example (83.3%) and as a result of advice from relations and friends (50%); the students exhibited a very positive perception on smoking and its cessation. There were no correlations of smoking habits with age and gender but withthe level of studies. Respondents demonstrated very low levels of awareness of World No Tobacco Day and the Nigeria Tobacco Control Decree. It is strongly advised that more effective campaign strategies be adopted to reach as many young people as possible. The pharmacy curriculum should contain adequate courses on smoking effects and cessation; programmes of student bodies should incorporate tobacco cessation activities. The existing tobacco smoking restrictions and policies should be strengthened and enforced.

Cigarette Smoking and Attitudes Concerning Its Control among Healthcare Workers in Enugu, South-East, Nigeria

“…All health workers knew that cigarette smoking is hazardous to health, with 79.4% of them believed that it could cause lung cancer. The findings in this study which is showing a gap between knowledge and practice is similar to some studies done in Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia [9] [27]- [31]. Also, our study revealed that majority of health workers 90.8% smoked between 1 -5 sticks per day, which is considered to be light/ moderate.…”

“…A marginal yearly increase of 3% in cigarette smoking has been reported for developing countries [7]. It is also reported that smoking prevalence is increasing in Nigeria [8] [9].…”

Current prevalence pattern of tobacco smoking in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The prevalence of current smokers ranged from 1.2% recorded in Yaba Lagos, South-west Nigeria in 2015 [44], to 55.5% in Amassoma Delta State, South-south Nigeria, also in 2015 [69]. The pooled crude prevalence of current smokers in Nigeria was 10.4% (95% CI: 9.0–11.7), with this significantly lower among women (3.6%, 2.8–4.4), compared to men (13.4%, 10.0–16.8) (Table 2).…”

“…The lowest prevalence of ever smokers was recorded in Ibadan Oyo State, South-west Nigeria in 2009 at 2.1% [77], while the highest was reported in Amassoma Delta State, South-south Nigeria in 2015 at 64.6% [69]. The pooled crude prevalence of ever smokers (i.e.…”

Prevalence and perception of cigarette smoking among out of school adolescents in Birnin Kebbi, North-western Nigeria

“…According to the "Global youth tobacco survey" approximately 15% of adolescents smoked cigarettes in 4 of 29 sites in African region, 13 of 38 sites in American region, one of 23 sites in Eastern Mediterranean region, 15 of 29 sites in European region, one of 10 sites in South East Asian region, and 13 of 22 sites in West Pacific region. A marginal yearly increase of 3% in cigarette smoking prevalence has been reported for developing countries [4]. Young persons are being introduced to cigarette smoking at an earlier age and because of its addictive nature become hooked on it.…”