Kenyan Primary School Children’s Access to Main Sources of Information and Communication about Tobacco Products in Kitui Central Division, Kenya
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The objective of the study was to determine Kenyan primary school children’s access to main sources of information and communication about tobacco products among final year primary school pupils in Kitui Central Division.
Problem statement: Prior to the passing of the Tobacco bill (2007), the public had been exposed in that smokers could smoke without any restrictions. The accessibility of single cigarettes is also a danger to the young people as it makes it more affordable to them. In addition the media reports that school pupils are still exposed to tobacco products though kiosk that are located near the schools. A study among students in five mostly rural districts of Kenya reported that 20.6% of them were regular users of tobacco. Basic epidemiological information on tobacco abuse and its effects in Kenya is lacking. The media outlets are inundated with advertising information whose purpose is to entice Kenyans and especially the young and women to start using tobacco products. The true state of behavioral risk factors associated with smoking among the young, their perceptions and attitudes on the effects of smoking on their health and life is however not known
Study Methodology: 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.
Results of the study: The results indicated that a total of 14% had experimented with tobacco, 7% with smoking and 7% with smokeless tobacco. The study concluded that most frequently reported source of information on tobacco related risk were the teacher (81%), parents and mass media ranked second with each (77%), book, magazine or billboards and church leaders was third each with (72%), followed by grandparents (66%), others (64%) while (26%) had talked with no body.
Recommendations: 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.
Key words: Tobacco Products, Primary School Children’s & Kitui Central Division.
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