FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF CIGARETTE SMOKING AMONG ARTISAN MALE APPRENTICES IN IBADAN NORTH-WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

Cigarette smoking among youths has become a growing problem globally, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. The consequences of cigarette smoking in later life have been a major public health concern in the country. Previous studies focused on determination of prevalence of cigarette smoking among in-school youths to the exclusion of out-of-school youths who are also vulnerable. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the factors influencing adoption of cigarette smoking habit among male artisan apprentices in lbadan North-West Local Government Area Oyo Stale, Nigeria. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. A five-stage random sampling technique was used to randomly select, wards, 6 communities, 30 streets, workshops and 400 consenting respondents. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information on respondents' socio-demographic characteristics and factors influencing intention to smoke, initiation of smoking, and maintenance of smoking habit. Knowledge of respondents on health risks of smoking habit was measured on a 14-point scale. Scores ≤5, > 5-10 and >10 were categorised as poor, fair and good, respectively. Qualitative data were collected through 4 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with vocational skill tutor and six with artisan apprentices. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression at p=0.05, while data from IDIs were analysed thematically. Respondents' age was 19.6±2.7 years. 65 respondents (16.3%) are currently undergoing tailoring and 35 (8.8%) automobile mechanic trainings. Factors influencing intention to smoke include peer pressure (60.8%), trainer's influence (40.0%), attraction to cigarette (49.8%), personality boosting (46.0%), and media influence (49.8%). Majority (65.3%) of respondents who had initiated smoking reported easy access to cigarette, 69.3% reported road side shops as their main source and 54.4% reported they do not have cigarette brand preference. Majority (73.5%) of the respondents reported smoking does not cause lung cancer while 70.8% reported, smoking could cause black lips. Respondents' knowledge were good, fair, poor knowledge as (18.8%), (33.2%) and (48.0%) respectively. Average money spent daily by respondents on cigarette smoking was between N91 - N120. Above half, (61.4%) reported smoking at least once a day. Almost all who smoked (95.5%), reported that smoking helps them to relax. Proportion of artisan apprentices who smoked was significantly higher (23.8%) among automobile mechanics compared to other apprentices (72.2%). Respondents with 4-6 years of apprenticeship were more likely to smoke cigarette compared to those with lesser years (OR= 2.4; CI= 2.1-3.5). Respondents who reported easier access to cigarette were more likely to initiate smoking compared to those with limited access (OR 3.5, Cl=3.2-4.9). Respondents opined that cigarette smoking could have various side effects such as cough, black lips and chest pain and body odour. Also peer pressure, easy access and personality boosting were the major factors influencing cigarette smoking. Initiation of cigarette smoking habit was high among apprentices in Ibadan North-West Local government and is reinforced mostly by peer pressure and easy access. Therefore, peer-education and use of information, education and communications materials should be used to discourage smoking among artisan apprentice.