2001-12-31-世界卫生组织-2002_GYTS_Country_Report_Seychelles_17页_217kb

Global Youth Tobacco Survey in Seychelles, 2002

This report summarizes the method, findings, and recommendations of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in Seychelles in 2002 among students aged 12-16 years.

Method

• Design: A two-stage cluster sampling survey using standardized GYTS questionnaires (with localized additions on alcohol and tobacco) administered to students anonymously.
• Setting: 13 public and private schools in Seychelles (Seychelles Islands).
• Sample: 1321 out of 1453 sampled students (90.92% response rate) completed usable questionnaires.

Main Findings

• Tobacco Experimentation & Use:
  • 49% of students had smoked cigarettes (even a puff) (35% at age 12/ - , 72% at 16+).
  • 20% had their first cigarette before age 12.
  • 26% were current smokers (smoked on at least one day in the past 30 days).
  • Smoking prevalence increased with age and was similar in boys and girls.
• Knowledge:
  • 55% recognized smoking is difficult to quit once started. Only 76-79% acknowledged the health dangers of smoking and environmental tobacco smoke. This knowledge was independent of smoking status.
  • The addictive nature of tobacco was significantly underestimated.
• Attitudes:
  • Vague association between smoking and positive traits (smokers more likely than non-smokers to view smoking attractively, or as a facilitator of social connections).
• Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS):
  • 40% were exposed to ETS at home and 60% in public places during the last 7 days.
  • Existing school and public transport smoke-free regulations were in place but ETS exposure was high.
• Media Exposure:
  • Over 89% saw anti-tobacco campaigns.
  • Almost 96% saw actors smoking or brand names in movies/cultural programs, demonstrating the effectiveness of pro-smoking indirect promotion.
• Access:
  • Most smokers could buy cigarettes (63.8%) from shops, despite a sale restriction for minors (compliance only 34.2%).
  • The permissibility of unit sales contributed to availability.
• Tobacco Use Correlations:
  • Smoking was strongly associated with alcohol drinking (strongest association) and marijuana use. Students engaging in these other substance uses were 4 times more likely to be smokers than non-smokers (54% vs 4% for marijuana).

Key Observations

• High prevalence of early experimentation (before 12 years) and initiation into regular smoking (as early as 13).
• Decent youth awareness of tobacco hazards but severe underestimation of nicotine addiction and its implications for quitting.
• Youth show limited positive associations with smoking but stronger weak negative associations regarding health.
• ETS exposure is high (home and public places), challenging established smoke-free policies.
• Standard anti-smoking media may be countered by pervasive indirect promotion via films and TV programs.
• Irregular enforcement of tobacco sales restrictions facilitates youth access.
• Strong correlation between tobacco use and concurrent use of alcohol/drugs.

Recommendations

• Strengthen school-based and family education on the addictive nature of tobacco and resistance skills.
• Enforce stricter legislation to prohibit tobacco sales to minors and ban unit sales.
• Improve enforcement of existing smoke-free laws, especially in homes.
• Develop youth-accessible, culturally appropriate smoking cessation programs.
• Ensure regular school-based health education on tobacco (including newer trends like online advertising).
• Monitor youth tobacco use trends rigorously through repeated surveys.
• Tackle alcohol and marijuana use comprehensively, recognizing their strong association with smoking.