2007-12-31-世界卫生组织-2008_GYTS_Fact_Sheet_occupied_Palestinian_territory_UNRWA_West_Bank_1页_39kb

West Bank UNRWA Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) Summary

Core Content

The West Bank UNRWA Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), conducted in 2008 among students in grades 7, 8, and 9 (aged 13-15), provides a comprehensive overview of tobacco use and related factors among youth in the region. The survey employed a two-stage cluster sampling method, ensuring a representative sample of 1,700 students. It assessed various determinants of tobacco use, including access and availability, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), cessation efforts, media and advertising, and school curriculum.

Main Findings

Tobacco Use Prevalence

• 41.1% of students had ever smoked cigarettes.
• 45.6% currently use any tobacco product.
• 21.7% currently smoke cigarettes.
• 30.5% currently smoke shsisha.
• 39.4% currently use other tobacco products.
• 19.9% of never smokers are likely to initiate smoking in the next year.

Knowledge and Attitudes

• 33.5% of students think boys who smoke have more friends.
• 19.1% of students think girls who smoke have more friends.
• 33.9% of students think boys who smoke look more attractive.
• 23.9% of students think girls who smoke look more attractive.

Access and Availability

• 27.6% of current smokers usually smoke at home.
• 27.3% buy cigarettes in a store.
• 77.5% of students who bought cigarettes in a store were not refused due to their age.

Exposure to Secondhand Smoke (SHS)

• 66.7% live in homes where others smoke in their presence.
• 65.2% are exposed to smoke in places outside their home.
• 56.7% have one or more parents who smoke.
• 22.0% have most or all friends who smoke.
• 64.3% believe smoke from others is harmful to them.
• 80.2% think smoking should be banned from public places.

Cessation Efforts

• 56.1% of current smokers want to stop smoking.
• 62.6% tried to stop smoking during the past year.
• 77.5% have ever received help to stop smoking.

Media and Advertising

• 64.7% saw anti-smoking media messages in the past 30 days.
• 71.4% saw pro-cigarette ads on billboards.
• 67.2% saw pro-cigarette ads in newspapers or magazines.
• 22.1% own an object with a cigarette brand logo.
• 16.0% were offered free cigarettes by a tobacco company representative.

School Curriculum

• 57.1% had been taught about the dangers of smoking.
• 45.8% discussed reasons for smoking among their age group.
• 48.8% were taught about the effects of tobacco use.

Key Information

• The survey highlights a high prevalence of tobacco use among West Bank UNRWA students.
• SHS exposure is a significant issue, with over two-thirds of students living in homes where smoking occurs.
• Public perception is largely negative, with 80.2% believing smoking should be banned in public places.
• Media influence is strong, with 71.4% exposed to pro-cigarette ads and 64.7% exposed to anti-smoking messages.
• School education plays a role in shaping students’ understanding of tobacco risks, though not all students received such information.
• Cessation intentions are high among current smokers, with 56.1% wanting to stop and 62.6% attempting to quit in the past year.

Conclusion

The survey underscores the urgent need for targeted tobacco control interventions in the West Bank UNRWA region. The high prevalence of tobacco use, combined with significant SHS exposure and media influence, suggests that a multifaceted approach is necessary to address the issue. This includes improving school education on tobacco risks, enforcing smoke-free policies, and regulating tobacco advertising. Additionally, support for cessation efforts and reducing access to tobacco products should be prioritized to protect the health of youth.