2015-12-31-世界卫生组织-2016_GYTS_Fact_Sheet_Kuwait_2页_239kb

GYTS Kuwait 2016 Investigation Summary

Overview of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey

The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) is a standardized tool for monitoring youth tobacco use in countries, including Kuwait's 2016 data. Conducted by Kuwait's Ministry of Health, it involved 2,477 students aged 13-15 years, with an 87.7% response rate. GYTS tracks tobacco smoking and smokeless use, secondhand smoke exposure, tobacco accessibility, media influence, and knowledge/attitudes among youth.

Key Findings

• Tobacco Use: 16.7% of students used any tobacco product, with higher rates among boys (24.2%) compared to girls (9.8%). Current cigarette smoking was reported by 11.6% of students, predominantly boys (19.4%). Other tobacco use, such as waterpipes or smokeless tobacco, affected 8.7% of students, mostly boys (12.5%).

• Attempts to Quit Smoking: More than 70% of current smokers (77.8%) attempted to stop in the past 12 months, but only about 39% desired complete cessation at the time.

• Secondhand Smoke Exposure: 38.4% of students were exposed to tobacco smoke at home, and 57.5% encountered it in enclosed public places. Outdoor exposure was lower, at 52.1%.

• Tobacco Accessibility and Purchase: 93.0% of current cigarette smokers bought cigarettes from stores or vendors, and 77.8% reported not being prevented due to age when attempting to purchase.

• Media Influence: A majority (up to 73%) noticed anti-tobacco messages in media or promotions at points of sale, with fewer seeing tobacco advertisements. Students demonstrated varying awareness, with 65.3% believing tobacco smoking is harmful.

• Knowledge and Attitudes: Students showed supportive attitudes toward tobacco control policies, with 72.8% favoring smoking bans in enclosed public spaces. Many (65.3%) opposed tobacco use, and susceptibility to future use was limited. Purchase patterns and exposure highlights areas for improved youth protection.

Data indicates high tobacco use among youth, especially boys, coupled with efforts to quit and preventive attitudes, but gaps in policy enforcement and media exposure remain concerns.