2014-12-31-世界卫生组织-2015_GYTS_Country_Report_Sri_Lanka_76页_1mb

Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) Sri Lanka 2015 Summary

The 2015 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in Sri Lanka aimed to monitor tobacco use among youth aged 13-15 years to guide tobacco control programs and evaluate the implementation of WHO FCTC and MPOWER strategies. Conducted in a representative sample of 1416 students from 65 classes in 30 schools using a two-stage cluster sampling method, the survey collected data through a standardized questionnaire covering sociodemography, tobacco use prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, access, exposure to secondhand smoke, and media exposure.

Key findings show a decline in tobacco use compared to previous years. Current tobacco use is 3.7%, with 1.5% being cigarette smokers and 2.4% smokeless tobacco users. Males had higher prevalence rates than females, and susceptibility to future tobacco use decreased slightly. Most ever-users initiated use at a young age, highlighting the need for early education.

Attitudes toward tobacco were generally negative, with 86.2% believing secondhand smoke is harmful, and strong support for banning smoking in public places. Educational efforts were effective, with 78.9% exposed to anti-tobacco messages in schools and media. However, exposure to tobacco marketing and free offers remains a concern, with some youth influenced by pro-tobacco influences despite educational campaigns.

The survey underscores the importance of enforcing existing tobacco control policies, enhancing cessation support for youth, strengthening school-based programs, and addressing media exposure. Recommendations include increasing research on smokeless tobacco use, enforcing sales bans strictly, implementing comprehensive media regulations, and improving access to cessation services to protect youth from tobacco-related harm.