2006-12-31-世界卫生组织-2007_GYTS_Country_report_Iran_Islamic_Republic_of_15页_71kb

Summary of I.R.Iran Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) Report 2007

Core Content

The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2007 in Iran provides critical insights into tobacco use patterns among students aged 13-15. The survey, conducted in collaboration with WHO/EMRO and CDC, is a school-based, two-stage cluster sample survey, ensuring a nationally representative sample. It highlights the growing prevalence of tobacco use, especially among youth, and the significant role of water-pipe (qalian) in initiation of tobacco consumption.

Main Findings

Tobacco Use Prevalence

• 17.5% of 13-15-year-old students in Iran have ever smoked cigarettes, with 23.7% of males and 11.0% of females.
• 43.8% of students have ever tried qalian, with 55% of males and 32% of females.
• 36.1% of ever smokers started before age 10, with 40.7% of males and 27.0% of females.

Current Tobacco Use

• 3.0% of students are current cigarette smokers, with 5.1% of males and 0.9% of females.
• 26.1% of students are current users of other tobacco products, with 31.9% of males and 19.5% of females.
• 16.5% of all students use qalian regularly.

Susceptibility to Smoking

• 8.7% of never smokers are likely to initiate smoking within the next year, with 10.3% of males and 7.0% of females.
• There is a small but statistically significant decrease in susceptibility from 2003 to 2007.

Exposure to Tobacco Smoke

• 35.4% of students are exposed to smoke at home, and 44.8% in public places.
• 70.3% of students support banning smoking in public places.

Education and Awareness

• Only 29.1% of students were taught about the dangers of smoking, with 36.3% of males and 21.3% of females.
• 29.0% of students discussed reasons for tobacco use, and 31.1% were taught about its effects.
• 9.3% of students have objects with tobacco company logos, and 4.9% have been offered free cigarettes.

Access and Advertising

• 59.4% of current cigarette smokers usually buy from stores without being refused due to age.
• 55.8% of students saw cigarette advertisements on billboards in the past month.
• 48.2% of students saw anti-smoking messages in the past month.

Key Trends and Comparisons (2003 vs. 2007)

• Ever smoked cigarettes increased slightly from 14.2% (2003) to 17.5% (2007), though the difference is not significant.
• First cigarette before age 10 rose dramatically from 17.6% (2003) to 36.1% (2007), with a two-fold increase in males.
• Use of other tobacco products increased from 12.1% (2003) to 26.1% (2007).
• Susceptibility to smoking decreased from 12.2% (2003) to 8.7% (2007).
• Qalian use increased from 16.0% (2003) to 31.9% (2007) in males and from 8.7% to 19.5% in females.

Factors Influencing Tobacco Use

• Exposure to smoke at home and in public places remains high.
• School-based education on tobacco risks is insufficient, with only 29.1% of students receiving such information.
• Tobacco advertising is still prevalent, especially on billboards.
• Indirect advertising (e.g., branded items) persists despite legal restrictions.
• Access to tobacco is a major concern, with 59.4% of current smokers purchasing from stores without being refused.

Recommendations

• Enforce laws to ban tobacco sales to minors.
• Prohibit smoking in public places to reduce exposure.
• Implement comprehensive educational programs in schools on tobacco risks and its effects.
• Develop youth cessation facilities to assist current smokers.
• Involve youth NGOs and parents in tobacco control initiatives.
• Regulate the distribution of tobacco products to reduce availability.

Conclusion

The GYTS 2007 report underscores a rising trend in tobacco use, particularly among boys, with qalian playing a major role. The lowering age of initiation and increased use of other tobacco products signal a growing public health concern. A comprehensive national tobacco control strategy is essential to address these issues and reduce tobacco-related harm among youth.