2010-12-31-世界卫生组织-2011_GYTS_Fact_Sheet_Latvia_1页_30kb

Summary of Latvia GYTS 2011: Youth Tobacco Use (Ages 13-15)

Introduction

The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in Latvia (2011) assessed tobacco use prevalence and determinants, including factors like secondhand smoke exposure, access to tobacco products, and school-based influences, to inform comprehensive tobacco control programs. A school-based design with 3,130 students aged 13-15 participated, achieving an 82.2% response rate.

Key Findings

• Tobacco Use Prevalence:

  • 76.2% of students had ever smoked cigarettes.
  • 31.5% currently use any tobacco product, with 31.5% smoking cigarettes, 21.5% using shisha, and growing use of e-cigarettes among youth.

• Factors Influencing Use:

  • High exposure: 44.6% live in homes with smoking others present, and 47.0% are around smokers in public places.
  • Demographics: Parental smoking is common (51.4% have smoking parents), and 27.1% have friends who smoke.
  • Initiation: 27.4% of never smokers started before age 10, and 24.1% are likely to initiate next year.

• Tobacco Reduction Trends:

  • Among current smokers (40.5% users), most (65.5%) want to quit, with 64.5% attempting cessation in the past year and 60.0% seeking help.
  • Availability: Most smokers (30.7%) buy from stores with minimal age refusal (70.4% not refused), and access is facilitated.

• Media and School Influence:

  • Media exposure: 7.1% were offered cigarettes by tobacco companies.
  • School education: About 60% received classroom lessons on tobacco dangers and effects, with discussions on peer influences.

Additional Notes

The survey highlights significant youth tobacco use in Latvia, with strong ties to social and environmental determinants, indicating a need for targeted interventions. For further details, contact the listed official.