Tobacco consumption is the single most readily preventable cause of death in the world. The negative impacts of tobacco use on the human body are well established: it increases the risks for cancers at 13 sites, particularly the lung, and for heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The overall prevalence of current tobacco product use among adolescents was 19.1%, with higher usage among males (23.7%) than females (13.7%). Notably, Zimbabwe had the highest reported prevalence (47.1%), while Morocco had the lowest (12.6%). Factors associated with current tobacco use included male gender, older age, exposure to secondhand smoke, lack of knowledge about its harmful effects, exposure to tobacco industry promotion, and opposition to banning smoking in enclosed places.
Among non-users, the prevalence of susceptibility to tobacco use was 12.2%, with no significant gender difference. Mozambique reported the highest susceptibility (24.6%), while Algeria reported the lowest (4.5%). Factors associated with susceptibility included exposure to tobacco industry promotion, opposition to smoking bans in enclosed places, and lack of exposure to anti-smoking school education.
The high rates of tobacco use and susceptibility among school-going adolescents across 22 African countries,emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive public health interventions, including anti-tobacco campaigns, enforcement of tobacco promotion bans, educational programs targeting families and schools, and alignment with WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control guidelines.
Tobacco use constitutes a preventable risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases globally. With over 200 million deaths and economic costs exceeding US$1 trillion in the past three decades, tobacco poses a significant public health threat. Despite Africa’s relatively lower impact compared to other regions, urbanization, westernisation, and aggressive marketing campaigns by the tobacco industry are fueling projected increases in tobacco consumption.
Although tobacco control policies are crucial, many African countries struggle with full implementation due to various challenges, including competing health priorities, industry interference, corruption, and public resistance. Adolescents, susceptible to high-risk behaviors like tobacco use, require targeted interventions given the propensity for lifelong addiction. Despite a slight decline in tobacco use among African adolescents, robust policies remain imperative.
In addition to curbing tobacco use, preventive strategies must address susceptibility among non-users. Studies globally highlight factors such as exposure to secondhand smoke, parental or peer smoking, and tobacco industry promotion as risk factors for susceptibility. However, comprehensive evaluations specific to Africa are lacking.
There is a need for an awareness and strong Information passage.
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