2006-12-31-世界卫生组织-2007_GYTS_Country_Report_Nepal_23页_57kb

National Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) and National Global School Personnel Survey (GSPS) in Nepal 2007

Authors: M. R. Pandey, R.P. Pathak, S. Shrestha, S. Saud
Date: Nepal 2007

Introduction

• Tobacco Use: A major cause of preventable death, disease, and disability globally. Nepal’s previous surveys showed high tobacco use among youth (13-15 years).
• Surveys: The 2007 national GYTS and GSPS aimed to establish baseline data and surveillance mechanisms for tobacco use among students and school personnel.
• Background: Nepal ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) but enforcement remains weak. Anti-tobacco efforts include taxation, media bans, and health campaigns.

Methods

GYTS

• Survey Design: Cross-sectional, two-stage cluster sampling with 49 schools. Response rates: School 98%, students 96.6%.
• Questionnaire: Modified GYTS tool translated into Nepali.

GSPS

• Survey Design: Self-administered questionnaire in schools. Response rates not explicitly mentioned but high engagement.
• Content: Covered tobacco use prevalence, school policies, and teacher training.

Results

GYTS Findings

1. Tobacco Use:
   • 7.9% of students had ever smoked cigarettes; 3.9% were current smokers.
   • Boys had significantly higher rates than girls.
   • 8.0% used other tobacco products (e.g., bidis, gutkha).
2. Exposure:
   • 35.3% exposed to secondhand smoke at home; 47.3% in public places.
3. Awareness & Advertising:
   • 84.7% saw tobacco ads in billboards; 87.6% in print media.
4. Cessation:
   • 92.0% of current smokers desired to quit; 93.0% tried to stop in the past year.
5. Access:
   • 38.1% of students bought tobacco in stores, 7.9% offered free cigarettes.

GSPS Findings

1. Tobacco Use:
   • 37.7% of school personnel had ever smoked cigarettes; smokeless tobacco use was slightly higher among users.
2. School Policies:
   • 98.5% of school personnel supported a ban on student tobacco use; only 51.7% of schools enforced the policy.
3. Teacher Training:
   • 43.1% had access to anti-tobacco materials, but only 12% had received training.

Key Discussions & Challenges

1. High Tobacco Prevalence:
   • Despite existing legislation, youth and school personnel exposure to tobacco remains high due to weak enforcement.
2. Advertising & Promotion:
   • Widespread tobacco ads in billboards and print media contradict government bans.
3. Policy Enforcement & Training:
   • Low enforcement rates and lack of teacher training weaken tobacco control efforts.
4. Education:
   • Most schools address tobacco education in the curriculum, but effectiveness is mixed without supportive policies.

Recommendations

1. Legislation: Enact and strictly enforce pending anti-tobacco laws, including bans on tobacco advertising and sales to minors.
2. Policy Implementation: Ensure strict enforcement of tobacco-free school policies and public places.
3. Education & Training: Increase anti-tobacco training for teachers and expand access to educational materials.
4. Monitoring: Repeat GYTS and GSPS every 2 Years to evaluate intervention effectiveness.

Conclusion

The 2007 surveys highlight the need for stronger enforcement, comprehensive anti-tobacco policies, and sustained educational efforts to reduce tobacco use among youth in Nepal. Cooperation from the government, civil society, and media is essential to achieve this goal.