Authors : Nwankwo Benjamin Osondu , C. Abanobi Okwuoma and N. Amadi Agwu
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.
Nwankwo Benjamin Osondu , C. Abanobi Okwuoma and N. Amadi Agwu , 2008. Antecedents to Smoking Behaviour among Male Adolescent Students in South East Region, Nigeria. International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 3: 60-65.