2005-12-31-世界卫生组织-2006_GYTS_Country_Report_Bhutan_15页_1mb

GYTS 2006: Summary on Bhutan's Tobacco Control

Core Content

The document presents the findings of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in Bhutan in 2006, highlighting the country's tobacco control efforts in alignment with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Bhutan ratified the WHO FCTC on 24 August 2004, committing to tobacco control initiatives that include bans on tobacco sales, identification of smoke-free areas, and restrictions on tobacco imports for personal use. A national implementation strategy was approved by the Royal Government to guide these efforts.

Main Points

• WHO FCTC and GYTS Objectives: Both the WHO FCTC and GYTS aim to monitor and evaluate tobacco control programs across all WHO Member States. The GYTS provides data to measure progress toward the goals outlined in the WHO FCTC.

• Survey Methodology: The GYTS is a school-based survey conducted using a two-stage cluster sampling method, targeting students in grades VI, VII, and VIII (ages 13-15). The response rate was high, with 93.33% of schools and 95.48% of students participating, resulting in an overall response rate of 89.11%. Weighting was applied to ensure accurate representation of the population.

• Tobacco Use Prevalence:

  • Ever Smoked Cigarettes: 25.4% of all students.
  • Current Tobacco Use: 23.7% use any tobacco product, with 15.6% smoking cigarettes and 15.9% using other tobacco products.
  • Gender Disparity: Males are more likely to smoke than females, with higher rates in all categories.

• School Curriculum and Awareness:

  • 58.2% of students were taught about the dangers of smoking.
  • 41.8% discussed reasons why people their age smoke.
  • Knowledge and awareness need to be expanded to ensure universal coverage.

• Smoking Cessation:

  • 85.4% of current smokers desire to quit.
  • 86.7% have tried to stop smoking in the past year.
  • A significant proportion of students still struggle with quitting, indicating the need for targeted cessation programs.

• Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS):

  • 28.2% of never smokers and 52.0% of current smokers are exposed to ETS at home.
  • 48.5% of never smokers and 74.8% of current smokers are exposed to ETS in public places.
  • 45.7% of never smokers and 48.1% of current smokers believe smoking should be banned in public places.

• Media and Advertising:

  • 83.0% of students have seen anti-smoking messages.
  • 73.6% of never smokers and 74.7% of current smokers have seen pro-tobacco messages in newspapers and magazines.
  • 19.3% of current smokers have had objects with cigarette brand logos.

• Access and Availability:

  • 16.0% of current smokers usually smoke at home.
  • 39.9% of current smokers purchase cigarettes from stores.
  • 47.5% of current smokers buy cigarettes without being refused due to age, suggesting the need for stricter enforcement of the tobacco sales ban.

Key Findings and Recommendations

• Article 8 (Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke): Students are still exposed to tobacco smoke in both home and public settings, and the smoking ban lacks sufficient public support.

• Article 12 (Education, communication, training and public awareness): While awareness is present, it is not universal, and efforts must be intensified to ensure comprehensive education in schools.

• Article 13 (Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship): Although tobacco advertising is banned, cross-border influences such as foreign media continue to expose students to pro-tobacco messages.

• Article 14 (Demand reduction measures concerning tobacco dependence and cessation): A high desire to quit exists among current smokers, but effective cessation programs for youth are needed.

• Article 16 (Sales to and by minors): Despite the ban on tobacco sales since 2004, minors can still access tobacco products, indicating the need for stronger enforcement.

• Article 20 (Research, surveillance and exchange of information): There is a lack of comprehensive research and surveillance in Bhutan, and more data collection is required to effectively monitor and evaluate tobacco control measures.

Conclusion

Bhutan has implemented significant tobacco control measures, including a national strategy and legal frameworks, but the enforcement of these measures remains a challenge. The GYTS data serves as a critical baseline for evaluating progress and identifying areas for improvement. Strengthening surveillance, education, and enforcement mechanisms is essential to achieve the goals of the WHO FCTC and reduce tobacco use and exposure among youth.