2003-12-31-世界卫生组织-2004_GYTS_Fact_Sheet_Nepal_Biratnagar_1页_38kb

Nepal - Biratnagar (Ages 13-15) GYTS Summary

Core Content

The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in Biratnagar, Nepal, among students aged 13–15, provides a comprehensive overview of tobacco use patterns and related factors in the region. The survey was carried out in 2004 and involved 1,995 students from standard 8, 9, and 10 using a two-stage cluster sampling method. The survey results highlight key areas of tobacco use and its determinants, offering insights for developing a comprehensive tobacco control program.

Main Findings

Tobacco Use Prevalence

• 8.3% of students had ever used any tobacco product.
• 8.2% currently smoke cigarettes.
• 0.1% currently use tobacco products other than cigarettes.
• Gender disparity is significant: 14.5% of boys vs. 0.5% of girls had ever smoked cigarettes.
• 14.5% of boys vs. 0.4% of girls currently smoke cigarettes.
• 0.0% of boys vs. 0.1% of girls currently use other tobacco products.

Knowledge and Attitudes

• 4.2% of students believe that boys who smoke or chew tobacco have more friends.
• 1.5% of students think that girls who smoke or chew tobacco have more friends.
• 64.7% of students believe smoking should be banned in public places.
• 52.0% of students report that one or both parents smoke, chew, or apply tobacco.

Access and Availability

• 83.8% of current smokers usually purchase cigarettes from a store.
• 95.1% of students who bought cigarettes in a store were not refused due to their age.

Exposure to Secondhand Smoke (SHS)

• 84.7% of students reported exposure to SHS in their homes in the past 7 days.
• 61.5% were exposed to SHS in public places other than their homes.
• SHS exposure is high and widespread among the youth population.

Cessation Efforts

• 7.3% of current smokers express a desire to quit smoking immediately.
• 2.7% of current smokers attempted to quit in the past year.
• 78.1% of current smokers have received help or advice to stop smoking.

Media and Advertising

• 44.8% of students saw anti-smoking media messages in the past 30 days.
• 0.7% of students had an object with a cigarette brand logo or symbol.

School Curriculum

• 10.5% of students were taught about the dangers of smoking or chewing tobacco in the past year.
• 10.1% discussed reasons for tobacco use among their peers.
• 10.0% learned about the effects of smoking or chewing tobacco.

Key Information

• High prevalence of tobacco use among students, with a significant gender gap.
• Strong SHS exposure in both home and public environments.
• Positive attitudes toward tobacco control, particularly regarding public smoking bans.
• Limited media influence in discouraging tobacco use, though some anti-smoking messages were seen.
• Minimal brand exposure among students, suggesting limited tobacco marketing in the area.
• School-based education on tobacco risks is relatively low, indicating a potential gap in health education.

Conclusion

The GYTS data from Biratnagar, Nepal, reveals a concerning level of tobacco use among adolescents, especially among boys. The survey highlights the urgent need for targeted tobacco control interventions, including strengthening school-based education, enhancing media campaigns, and implementing stricter smoking regulations. The high exposure to secondhand smoke and parental smoking habits further emphasize the role of family and environment in shaping youth tobacco behavior. Overall, the findings suggest that a multi-faceted approach is essential to reduce tobacco use and its associated health risks among adolescents in the region.