Cigarette Smoking Practices, Perceptions and Awareness of Government Policies among Pharmacy Students in Niger Delta University in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the growing problem of cigarette use, we still do not have accurate information on the prevalence and pattern in Nigerian adolescents. This study evaluated the smoking habits and associated contextual correlates among pharmacy students in a tertiary institution in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional research was conducted involving 210 students and utilizing pre-tested and validated questionnaires. Data was analyzed with SPSS. 16.  Majority of respondents (66.4%) were aged 21-25 years; the male-female ratio was 1:0.9 and 99.3% were Christians. Smoking prevalence was 12.9% and more prevalent among males; age of smoking debut was 16-20yrs; (46.1%); majority (83.3%) smoked 1-5 sticks of cigarette per day; 16.7% and 33.3% respectively of males and females quitted  smoking at the time of the study. Reasons given for quitting included knowledge of health hazard (100%), to set a new example (83.3%) and as a result of advice from relations and friends (50%); the students exhibited a very positive perception on smoking and its cessation. There were no correlations of smoking habits with age and gender but withthe level of studies. Respondents demonstrated very low levels of awareness of World No Tobacco Day and the Nigeria Tobacco Control Decree. It is strongly advised that more effective campaign strategies be adopted to reach as many young people as possible. The pharmacy curriculum should contain adequate courses on smoking effects and cessation; programmes of student bodies should incorporate tobacco cessation activities. The existing tobacco smoking restrictions and policies should be strengthened and enforced.