1999-12-31-世界卫生组织-2000_GYTS_Country_Report_Antigua_and_Barbuda_11页_58kb

Summary of Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in Antigua & Barbuda

Background

The GYTS is a global surveillance project initiated by WHO and US CDC to monitor tobacco use among youths. This 2000 survey in Antigua & Barbuda assessed smoking prevalence among students in grades 7–9 (Forms 1–4). It showed that tobacco use is a major preventable cause of illness and death, contributing to leading causes like cancer, heart diseases, and respiratory conditions in the country. WHO estimates that tobacco-related deaths could rise to 10 million annually by 2030 if unchecked, with high potential in developing nations.

Methodology

The survey used a two-stage cluster sampling design with 27 schools participating (100% response rate). A total of 1795 students (91.7% response rate) completed an anonymous questionnaire covering use, access, knowledge, attitudes, media exposure, quitting attempts, and school curriculum. Age and sex were recorded as demographics.

Results

• Tobacco Use Prevalence: 23.6% of students had ever smoked cigarettes, with higher rates among males (29.2%) than females (18.2%). Current smoking in the past 30 days was reported by 13.5%, and 5.2% were current smokers. Use of other tobacco products was nearly twice that of cigarettes.
• Age of Initiation: One in four students experimented with smoking before age 10. Approximately 28.9% of smokers started before age 10, with higher rates in younger age groups.
• Knowledge and Attitudes: Most students recognized the health risks, with high awareness of quitting difficulties. Positive perceptions of smoking (e.g., losing weight, more friends) were held by fewer than expected; most found it unattractive and believe it harms health.
• Access and Availability: Easy access was common, with 57% of youth smokers purchasing cigarettes without difficulty. No laws banned sales to minors, reinforcing a need for legislation.
• Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS): Current smokers reported higher exposure to ETS, both at home (41.2% of girls, 28.2% of boys) and public places. Support for public smoking bans was high among students.
• Cessation Attempts: 78% of current smokers wanted to quit, but only 55% received help. Many underestimated the addiction risks.
• Media Impact: Youth were exposed to both anti- and pro-tobacco messages, with 10–40% offered free cigarettes, potentially influencing uptake.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Tobacco use among Antigua & Barbuda's youth is significantly prevalent and poses serious health risks, including early initiation and potential addiction. Recommendations include enforcing laws to restrict access to minors, enhancing school-based education programs, promoting public smoking bans, and implementing strict anti-tobacco advertising regulations to reduce prevalence and protect young people from industry influence. The survey data underscores the need for comprehensive tobacco control policies aligned with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.