Factors associated with the intention to continue using tobacco among adolescents: A secondary analysis of the 2015 Global Youth Tobacco Survey in the Philippines

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Smoking produces significant health problems affecting millions of people globally. It is the largest single cause of preventable deaths. This study aims to describe the characteristics of Filipino adolescent smokers aged 13–15 years and determine the factors associated with the intention to continue to use tobacco in the next 12 months among current smokers. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of the 2015 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in the Philippines to determine the association of the following factors with the intention to continue to use tobacco in the next 12 months among current smokers: 1) exposure to anti-tobacco media messages, 2) exposure to health warnings on cigarette packages, and 3) being taught about the dangers of tobacco in any class. RESULTS The adjusted odds of continuing to use of any form of tobacco in the next 12 months was higher (AOR=1.24; 95% CI: 0.62–2.49) among those who have not seen health warnings on cigarette packages and higher (AOR=1.32; 95% CI: 0.71–2.45) when not taught about tobacco in any of their classes. Finally, those who have not seen or heard anti-tobacco messages on television, radio, internet, billboards, posters, newspapers, magazines, or movies, were more likely (AOR=2.19; 95% CI: 1.14–4.21) to report their intention to continue to use tobacco. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the relationship of different tobacco control strategies to adolescents’ intention to continue using tobacco can contribute to the improvement of tobacco policies and programs and achieve effective tobacco control among the youth. A targeted anti-tobacco campaign in both traditional and new media should be considered an essential part of a comprehensive tobacco control program. Health warnings on cigarette packs should be supported by a policy banning the sale of single stick cigarettes.