2015-12-31-世界卫生组织-2016_GATS_Country_Report_Ethiopia_171页_2mb

Summary of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Ethiopia 2016

The 2016 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in Ethiopia assessed adult tobacco use, control policies, and public perceptions. Its primary goals were to establish baseline data for tobacco control and align with WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and MPOWER strategy.

• Key Findings:

  • Adult tobacco use is low but growing in certain regions. Overall, 5% of adults (8.1% of men, 1.8% of women) use tobacco. High rates found in urban areas and specific regions (e.g., Afar and Somali).
  • Smoking prevalence (3.7%) is higher among men, while smokeless tobacco (1.7%) is more common among women. Cigarettes dominate tobacco products in urban areas, whereas alternative forms like pipes are more prevalent in rural regions.
  • Most current smokers (3.5 million) face barriers to quitting. About 42% attempted cessation in the past year, but 75.9% did so without professional help. These efforts are often unsupported by healthcare providers.
  • Second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure is widespread: 29.3% of workers experience SHS in workplaces, 31.1% in restaurants, and 19.7% on public transport. Urban adults (50.7%) were most exposed to SHS in workplaces compared to rural adults (16.6%).
  • Economic factors drive tobacco use: A pack of manufactured cigarettes costs ETB 150.1 on average. The preference for low-cost brands like Nyala (87.2%) limits affordability.
  • Public awareness and media impact vary. Only 26% of smokers (51.4% of men) believed cancer causes by smoking or SHS is serious. Anti-tobacco programs reached 25% of adults, increasing quitting attempts.

• Methodology:

  • The survey used a multi-stage, stratified cluster sampling design with 10,875 participants across all 9 regions. Data quality was ensured through electronic tools and rigorous protocols.

• Recommendations:

  • Enforce comprehensive smoke-free indoor policies and increase tobacco taxes to curb use.
  • Enhance cessation services, especially given low government availability.
  • Raise public awareness through diverse media channels to amplify anti-tobacco campaigns.

GATS Ethiopia 2016 highlights the existence of a growing tobacco epidemic that requires coordinated interventions to mitigate its public health risks.