1999-12-31-世界卫生组织-2000_GYTS_Country_Report_Saint_Lucia_24页_160kb

Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) - Saint Lucia Analysis

Executive Summary

The GYTS was conducted in Saint Lucia in 2001 among Grades 6-9 and Forms 1-4, with a student response rate of 86.2%. Key findings indicate that approximately one-third of students (35.5%) had smoked cigarettes, with higher prevalence among males. Early initiation (before age 10, 29.2%) is concerning. A significant percentage (80.2%) of non-smokers believe smoking should be banned from public places, indicating strong societal awareness. Students desire to stop smoking is high, but attempts to quit are low. Recommendations include implementing legislation for public smoking bans, restricting tobacco sales to minors, banning tobacco advertising, and establishing a youth cessation program, along with repeating the survey triennially to monitor trends.

Findings by Category

1. Tobacco Prevalence

• 35.5% of students tried smoking at least once (higher in males, 45.3%);
• 14.3% were current users of any tobacco product;
• 29.2% of non-smokers are susceptible to starting smoking in the next year.

2. Knowledge & Attitudes

• Most students (81.5%) were exposed to anti-smoking messages; few (8.1%) pro-tobacco ads;
• Female students showed stronger support for public smoking bans (91.9% in Form 4);
• Perception that smoking makes individuals more attractive remains strong, particularly among younger grades.

3. Access & Availability

• HighEase of purchasing cigarettes in stores (67.5% not refused due to age);
• Significant gender disparity in smoking at home (50.6% female current smokers vs. 22.5% male).

4. Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)

• Current smokers have 50% higher ETS exposure at home and 78% in public places;
• 87.5% of non-smokers recognize the harm of ETS, compared to only 65.2% of smokers.

5. Cessation

• 75.7% of current smokers wish to quit, but only 5.5% tried;
• Higher cessation attempts among males (7.5% of male smokers vs. 3.9% females).

6. School Curriculum

• 55.9% of students received tobacco danger education; only 42.2% discussed reasons for smoking.

Recommendations

1. Policy Implementation:
   • Ban public smoking; prohibit tobacco sales to minors; restrict advertising in all media.
   • Establish mandatory youth cessation programs.
2. Surveillance:
   • Conduct GYTS triennially to track trends and measure control effectiveness.

Key Conclusion

The lack of protective policies and easy access contribute to youth tobacco use. A holistic approach combining legislative action, education, and cessation support is crucial for addressing the "global tobacco epidemic."