2012-12-31-世界卫生组织-2013_GYTS_Country_Report_Bhutan_108页_3mb

Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) Bhutan 2013 Report Summary

Introduction

The GYTS Bhutan 2013 report assesses tobacco use among youth aged 13–15 years, aligned with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and MPOWER policy package. It aims to monitor tobacco consumption harms, guide prevention programs, and support evidence-based policies to reduce prevalence and exposure.

Methodology

The survey employed a school-based, two-stage cluster sampling design involving 1378 students (response rate 97.1%). Data collection occurred from March to June 2013 via self-administered questionnaires, focusing on tobacco use, cessation attempts, secondhand smoke, access, and media exposure. Weighted analysis adjusted for sampling to ensure representativeness.

Key Findings

• Tobacco Use: Current tobacco use rose to 30.3%, driven by increased smokeless tobacco (21.6%) and cigarettes (14.0%). Ever tobacco users accounted for 48.1% of youth, with higher rates among boys (58.6%).
• Secondhand Smoke (SHS): SHS exposure decreased (15.3% at home, 42.8% in enclosed public places). However, 51.3% of students were exposed in school settings.
• Access and Availability: Despite a national ban, 54.5% of smokers purchased cigarettes; few were prevented by age restrictions.
• Cessation: 81.8% of smokers wanted to quit, with 83.1% attempting cessation, but only 25.3% received professional help.
• Media Exposure: Anti-tobacco messages declined significantly (e.g., TV exposure from 86.9% to 74.0% in 2009–2013). Youth susceptibility to tobacco initiation remained high despite increased awareness of dangers.
• Comparison Trends: Compared to 2009, smokeless tobacco and overall tobacco use increased, while SHS exposure decreased. Youth beliefs about quitting became more positive.

Discussion and Relevance

The results highlight strengths in controlling SHS exposure, such as school policies, but underscore challenges in enforcing tobacco bans and reducing marketing influences. The findings address MPOWER elements (monitor, protect, offer help, warn), indicating a need for stricter implementation and expanded anti-tobacco campaigns.

Recommendations

• Strengthen tobacco control policies to minimize youth access and availability, including enforcing existing bans and regulations.
• Expand cessation services by training health professionals and establishing quit lines.
• Enhance anti-tobacco media campaigns and school-based education to increase message exposure and youth receptivity.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and stakeholders to address illicit trade and free tobacco samples.