2010-12-31-世界卫生组织-2011_GYTS_Fact_Sheet_Trinidad_and_Tobago_1页_31kb

Summary of Trinidad & Tobago GYTS 2011 (Ages 13-15)

Introduction

The Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in Trinidad & Tobago in 2011 focused on students aged 13-15. This school-based survey used a two-stage cluster sampling design, with 2,739 participants and a 92.5% response rate. The study examined tobacco use prevalence, determinants such as access/availability, price, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), cessation attempts, media and advertising influence, and school-based education.

Key Findings on Tobacco Use Prevalence

• Ever smoked cigarettes: 29.9% of students had tried smoking, with boys at 33.9% and girls at 25.2%.
• Current smokers: 9.3% of students currently smoke cigarettes, with boys at 10.9% and girls at 7.0%. Overall, 18.4% of youth use any tobacco product, including other forms like 12.0% using non-cigarette tobacco;
• Initiation potential: 12.2% of never-smokers are at risk of starting smoking in the next year.

Determinants of Tobacco Use

• Access and availability: 40.6% smoked at home, and 65.9% of those buying cigarettes did not face age refusal in stores. 31.4% have parents who smoke, indicating strong family influence.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke: 36.0% live in homes with smoking others, 46.3% are around smokers in enclosed public places, and 67.3% in outdoor public areas. High awareness: 78.3% believe SHS is harmful, and 70.1% support smoking bans in public spaces.
• Cessation attempts: 54.6% of current smokers want to quit; 77.6% have tried stopping in the past year, and 70.8% received cessation help.
• Media and advertising: 75.8% were exposed to anti-smoking media messages, but 57.3% saw pro-cigarette ads on billboards, 49.0% on newspapers/magazines, and some (10.2%) were offered free cigarettes.
• School curriculum: Limited education: 39.3% learned about smoking dangers, 21.1% discussed age-specific reasons for smoking, and 38.2% studied tobacco effects.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Statistics

• Youth often perceive social benefits, but high cessation desire exists. About 31.4% have smokers among friends or parents, reinforcing risks. The survey underscores that nearly 92% of students support keeping public places smoke-free, and accessibility barriers are common.

This data highlights the need for comprehensive tobacco control policies and education in schools to reduce youth tobacco use.