PREVALENCE OF SMOKING AMONG STUDENTS IN MOUNT KENYA

UNIVERSITY, MAIN CAMPUS, THIKA, KENYA

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.0: Background of the study

According to WHO, Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and
death worldwide (WHO, 2023). Smoking is a major public health threat globally, causing about
7 million deaths annually, including 1.3 million passive smokers (He, 2022). The tobacco use
epidemic is expected to rise by the year 2030, leading to more than 8 million deaths each year.
Globally, smoking prevalence stands at 22.3%; comprising of 36.7% men and 7.8% women.
Based on the statistics, 80% of tobacco users are from low- and middle-income countries (WHO,
2009). Despite the preventive measures adopted in developing countries to combat tobacco use,
the rate of smoking is still significantly higher than developed countries. Among the factors that
should be considered for effective preventive programs are the predominant social factors and
determinants that strengthen and support smoking behaviour in the specific social environment
(Tessier, et. Al., 1999).

A quantitative analysis done by Heydari (2019) to establish which countries had the best tobacco
control showed that the United Kingdom and Turkey had the best score (36 out of 37)
demonstrating the success of the models used in the implementation and enforcement of tobacco
control program. Regionally, Africa had the lowest mean points scored in the study (17.40)
which is indicative of high prevalence of tobacco use in African countries. However, some
African countries like Mauritius have shown commendable efforts in tobacco control as shown
by the score of 34 out of 37 in the quantitative analysis. In the Sub-Saharan Africa region, it is
quite a challenge to implement anti-smoking legislation due to the tobacco industry. Zimbabwe,
Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique are among major tobacco producers in the region
WHO, 2015). Furthermore, Africa’s improving economy and young, fast-growing population
could drive a surge in smoking.

Africa’s young people are a particular target for the tobacco industry. An analysis done by
researchers at the University of Sierra Leone stated the approximately 19% of adolescents aged
11 to 17 in 22 African countries reported to have ever used tobacco products. Zimbabwe had the
highest prevalence at 47%. The study also found that the rates of young men (24%) using
tobacco were higher than those of women (14%) (Worth, 2023). This is similar to the split seen
in Africa’s adult population generally. With tobacco companies targeting teens and adolescents,
researchers have predicted an increase of smoking rates among African adults in a few years.

According to WHO, adolescents are people aged 10 to 19; this comprises of populations in
primary, secondary schools, and universities. Studies done in these settings have found a strong
association between exposure to second hand smoke and adolescent tobacco use. According to
Worth, (2023) other factors that increase the risk for smoking include exposure to tobacco
industry promotions, easy access to tobacco products, and a lack of education about effects of
tobacco. Additionally, peer pressure is a critical factor contributing to increased rates of smoking
among young adults (Albangy et al., 2019). A report by WHO stated that about half of those who
start smoking at a young age continue to smoke for fifteen to twenty years (WHO, 2019). Also, it
has been reported that smoking is a gateway to other forms of drug abuse such as alcohol,
marijuana, and cocaine (CDC). Worldwide, tobacco is used in many different forms since it can
be smoked like cigarettes, cigars, and water pipes or smokeless tobacco through chewing and
snuff (CDC, 2010).

Kenya has tried to stop tobacco use through legislation such as the enactment of the 2007
Tobacco Control Act (TCA). The knowledge of tobacco effects has been enhanced through
research, tobacco promotion and sponsorship (TAPS), international tobacco control (ITC),
Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) and Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) to curb
tobacco menace in the country.(MoPH&S, 2010). However, these efforts are yet to bear positive
results, since statistics show a worrying trend in tobacco use among the young Kenyan
population. Consequently, expenditure arising from tobacco abuse has sharply increased both
nationally and at the individual level (Gathecha et al., 2014).

The prevalence of current smokers among the Kenyan population is 11.6% (2.5 million), which
is higher than other African countries. In Uganda the prevalence stands at 7.9%; Nigeria at
5.6% , and Senegal at 6.0% (TFI; KNBS; & ILA). Although a national plan has been developed
to combat tobacco use like the Tobacco Control Action Plan 2010-2015, there is scarcity of
information regarding the demographic characteristics of tobacco consumption and the variables
associated with its consumption. Nevertheless, very few studies have been conducted on tobacco
use among university students in Kenya. Existent studies focus on substance abuse as a whole
including alcohol use, marijuana, tobacco, cocaine among other drugs (Kurui & Ogoncho, 2019).
However, information on prevalence of smoking among university students is still lacking. This
study therefore aims to assess the prevalence of smoking among Mount Kenya University
students; to establish the factors associated with smoking among the university population, and
explore barriers to cessation of smoking.
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