Knowledge and perception of the negative outcomes of tobacco smoking among teenagers attending a public university in Benin city, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Most tobacco smokers begin tobacco smoking during adolescence and find it difficult to quit as they become dependent on the nicotine content of the tobacco product over time. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge levels, perception and attitudes towards the negative health outcomes associated with cigarette smoking by students from the University of Benin, Nigeria.

Methods: Approval for this research was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee at Liverpool John Moores University. Quantitative technique using a survey form adapted and modified from a previously validated questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was divided into four sub-sections and these sections contained questions pertaining to sociodemographic information as well as perceptions and attitudes in relation to tobacco smoking. Undergraduate students were recruited with the aid of a convenience sampling procedure via face-to-face interactions with a gatekeeper. Sixty students consented to participate and completed hard copies of the survey form. Only 50 completed forms (83.3%) were anonymously retrieved by the gatekeeper and mailed to the principal investigator. The responses from the completed forms were transcribed and coded on Microsoft excel. The coded data were exported to SPSS and frequency tables were generated. Two-way Pearson chi square association test between gender, age, current class level and several opinions on tobacco smoking was conducted using SPSS.

Results: It was revealed that 98% of students were non-tobacco smokers while 62 % of the respondent revealed the non-involvement of their close friends in tobacco smoking. All the observed associations between the respondent’s age, gender as well as the class level and the different smoking related opinions were insignificant.

Conclusion: Majority of the survey participants were knowledgeable of the negative health effects associated with tobacco smoking. The levels of knowledge, perception and attitude towards tobacco smoking disclosed by the students could be reflective of the effect of sensitization campaigns on the harmful effects of tobacco smoking.