A survey study comparison of the knowledge, attitude, and smoking behaviour between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Background: Smoking poses a critical global public health challenge, resulting in millions of annual deaths and imposing substantial burdens on individuals, societies, and healthcare systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores tobacco's harmful impact, attributing approximately 7 million yearly deaths to direct tobacco use and an additional 1.2 million deaths to exposure to tobacco smoke. To combat this crisis, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) advocates for a 100% tobacco-free environment to mitigate second-hand smoke consequences and aims to reduce global tobacco-related deaths by around 13%. The United Kingdom (UK) is profoundly affected by tobacco smoking, witnessing high death rates, financial strain, and health issues linked to smoking. In response, the UK has set an ambitious target to achieve a smoke-free status by 2030, reinforced by comprehensive strategies implemented by the National Health Service (NHS) to support smokers in quitting. The current study addresses a research gap by conducting a comprehensive comparative analysis of smoking behaviour between Nigeria, a developing nation, and the UK, a developed nation. Employing a comparative cross-sectional design, the research investigates and compares smoking behaviour, knowledge, and attitudes among populations in both countries.

Methods: Comparing Nigerian and UK populations aged 18+, the study employed an online English questionnaire, collecting quantitative data. 98 participants took part, with 67 from Nigeria and 31 from the UK. Primarily aged 30-45, highly educated respondents showed awareness of smoking's health risks. Chi-Square tests linked smoking knowledge and residence.

Results: Data from 98 valid participants revealed substantial support for stricter tobacco control measures in both countries. Participants favour higher cigarette taxes and smoke-free public spaces, signalling a positive shift in recognizing smoking's health hazards. However, dissenting opinions, notably in Nigeria, underscore the need to address cultural influences on attitudes toward tobacco control policies.

Conclusion: The study highlights public views on tobacco control, indicating global support for stringent measures while noting cultural nuances. Nigeria exhibits contrasting perspectives, emphasizing cultural considerations in policymaking. Tailored, culturally sensitive interventions are vital to address diverse attitudes toward tobacco.