1999-12-31-世界卫生组织-2000_GYTS_Country_Report_Malawi_Blantyre_and_Lilongwe_19页_139kb

Malawi Global Youth Tobacco Survey Report Summary

Introduction

Malawi faces high preventable mortality from tobacco use, with adolescents aged 13-15 targeted by tobacco products. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) monitors tobacco prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and access among youth.

Methodology

• Design: Two-stage cluster sampling across Blantyre and Lilongwe districts (2001).
• Sample Size: 3,704 students surveyed, with high response rates.
• Questionnaire: Multiple-choice survey analyzing smoked prevalence, cessation attempts, knowledge, media exposure, and Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS).

Key Findings

1. Prevalence:

   • 15-19% of students had ever smoked; males smoked more than females.
   • Lilongwe had higher prevalence (youth exposed to tobacco farming).
   • Average age of first cigarette use was under 10.

2. Access and Addiction:

   • Easy access; tobacco available via stores, friends, and social events.
   • 95% of smokers desired cessation but few succeeded, especially in Lilongwe.

3. Knowledge & Attitudes:

   • Most knew tobacco harm but correlated smoking with independence.
   • Media influenced beliefs; anti-smoking messages helped, but tobacco promotions hindered.

4. **Media Exposure:

   • High exposure to anti-smoking messages (60%+ saw anti-smoking ads).
   • Heavy cigarette ads in Lilongwe among public spaces and media.

5. ETS Exposure:

   • 20-30% exposed to smoking in homes, public places had high passive smoking rates.

Context: Tobacco Industry

• Heavy reliance on tobacco for exports economy vulnerable to price fluctuations.
• Malawi tobacco farming is socially and economically tied but harms health.

Recommendations

1. Education: Incorporate tobacco control into curricula from early age.
2. Legislation: Ban tobacco marketing, enforce smoke-free public areas.
3. Media & Public Policy: Punish tobacco advertising promoting youth smoking.
4. Health Advocacy: Strengthen internal campaigns like CAMA; lobby for stronger tobacco laws.
5. Increase Surveillance: Repeat survey across regions, extend to non-school youth.

Discussion Highlights

• Policy conflict between economic reliance on tobacco and public health goals.
• Need to involve cabinet study findings to prevent widespread youth tobacco use.

###Conclusion
The report reveals high tobacco prevalence among Malawi's youth. Solving this requires coordinated strategies between the government, tobacco control groups and communities. More evidence requires sustained commitment to tobacco monitoring interventions.