A survey of Nigerian youths’ knowledge and perceptions of health-related risks and impact of tobacco consumption.

Abstract

Background: Smoking is a major public health problem, especially in Nigeria. It is well acknowledged that young individuals are unaware of the dangers of tobacco smoking and its consequences for their health. Hence this study was aimed at young people in Nigeria and their knowledge and perceptions of the health-related risks and impacts caused by tobacco usage.

Methods: The cross-sectional research design was used for this study. The convenience sampling method was used to collect data from 50 active smokers from a Facebook group via an online questionnaire. Cronbach alpha was used to assess the instrument's reliability, and the data acquired was examined using descriptive statistics and chi square. At the 0.05 threshold of significance, all hypotheses were tested.

Results: The result of the study showed 66% of young adults in Nigeria have a low level of knowledge of the health-related risks associated with tobacco use. The results further showed that although 78% of the respondents perceived that tobacco use is risky to their health; yet 84.5% of respondents had the perception that their current tobacco use had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing as over 80% of the respondents had the perception smoking and tobacco use makes hanging out with friends more fun alongside some other benefits. The results also showed that the smoker’s level of knowledge was also significantly associated with gender, occupational status, marital status, their perception of the health-related risk and their perception of the impact of tobacco use on their health and wellbeing.

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the need for stakeholders in the Nigerian health system to increase awareness of the health-related risks of tobacco use among Nigerian youths who lack this knowledge and who see tobacco smoking as a means of easing their socioeconomic difficulties or personal stress.