Prevalence and Distribution of Use of Tobacco Products in Relation to Socio-Demographic Characteristics among Final Year Primary School Pupils in Kitui Central Division
Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of use of tobacco products in relation to socio-demographic characteristics among final year primary school pupils in Kitui Central Division. The study was conducted in Primary schools in Kitui Central Division using a questionnaire administered to 470 primary school pupils aged 13 to 15 years under supervision in the classroom. Prevalence estimates of lifetime smoking and use of smokeless tobacco were calculated using frequencies and percentages. The results indicated that a total of 14% had experimented with tobacco, 7% with smoking and 7% with smokeless tobacco. The study concluded that the proportions of primary schools pupils use of tobacco was high (31%) in Kitui Central Division, probably because tobacco is grown in the area and also due to wide exposure to advertisement. This calls for discouragement of tobacco growing in the division. Advertising can be removed by banning all forms of tobacco promotion to young people. Pupils are mostly influenced by peers and mass media and receive health related information from a variety of sources but mostly from the teachers hence this calls for teachers to be trained in guidance and counseling in order to handle this crisis.
Keywords: Prevalence and Distribution, Tobacco Products, Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Primary School Pupils & Kitui Central Division.
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