Predictors of cigarette smoking among adolescents in rural Zambia: results from a cross sectional study from Chongwe [corrected] district.
BACKGROUND
Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. There are limited data on the prevalence of and factors associated with smoking among in-school adolescents in developing countries.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate prevalence of those who have smoked cigarettes and to identify associated socio-demographic factors among adolescents in Chongwe district, Chongwe [corrected] Province, Zambia.


METHODS
Data used was from the Zambia Global Youth Tobacco Survey, which was conducted using standardized methodology among in-school adolescents in 2002. Data were analyzed to assess if selected socio-demographic variables were associated with having smoked cigarettes. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations.


RESULTS
A history of having smoked cigarettes ranged from 20.5% among 15 year olds to 37.2% among males younger than 12 years old. In females, 20.7% of 13 year olds and 37.7% of those less than 12 years old had smoked. Parental smoking, friends smoking, a lack of perception that smoking was harmful, and exposure to pro-tobacco advertisements were associated with having smoked cigarettes. Adolescents who had smoked cigarettes were more likely to allow others smoke in their presence.


CONCLUSIONS
Many adolescents in rural Chongwe[corrected], Zambia had tried cigarette smoking. The identification of predictors for smoking should guide the design and implementation of programs aimed to prevent initiation and maintenance of tobacco use among adolescents.
Siziya
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University of Zambia, Department of Community Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia. ssiziya@yahoo.com
Rudatsikira
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Muula
A S
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Ntata
P R T
PR
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D012424:Rural Population; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015024:Zambia / Q000453:epidemiology