Antecedents to Smoking Behaviour among Male Adolescent Students in South East Region, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted among 2010 randomly selected adolescents in jive states of the south east part of Nigeria. Through a questionnaire instrument, adolescents were asked to respond to issues relating to their smoking behaviour in relation to type of domicile. Result showed that many (83.6%) of the adolescents sampled had smoked either now or before. Majority (71.43%) started smoking at senior class. While, many (95.24%) smoked between 1-10 sticks daily, majority (74.4%) smoked more during relaxation or when stressed or depressed. Many (77.4%) said peer group was their major source of smoking behaviour. Majority (56.6%) preferred Benson and Hedges brand of cigarette. In addition, many (59.5%) smoke because their friends influenced them. The study found strong association between prevalence rate of smoking behaviour; major source of smoking behaviour; time smoking started and type of domicile (p<0.05). The study recommended a longitudinal design that can identify both psychological and social environmental determinants of smoking among this group for a reliable development of smoking prevention and cessation interventions.