Prevalence and Predictors of Tobacco Use Among Adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria

Introduction Most tobacco use begins in adolescence, causing dependence and prolonged use, and accounts for more than 8 million deaths world- wide annually. Monitoring adolescent tobacco use is critical to controlling it. Our study examined the prevalence and factors as- sociated with tobacco use among adolescents in Nigeria.Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among adoles- cent students in Ibadan, Nigeria, aged 11 to 18 years, from March through June 2021. We used a 2-stage cluster design to select 3,199 students from 23 schools. We adapted the Global Youth To- bacco Survey Core Questionnaire, version 1.2, for data collection and used logistic regression to assess factors associated with cur- rent tobacco use. We weighted all analyses for complex survey design and differential nonresponse at school, class, and student levels.Results Prevalence of current use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, or any tobacco were 1.4%, 1.1%, and 2.0%, respectively. Predictors of current tobacco use were male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=3.13; 95% CI, 1.53-6.42); close friends as smokers (aOR=3.10; 95% CI, 1.77-5.41); classmates as smokers (aOR=3.12; 95% CI, 1.15-8.49); access to cigarette (aOR=6.65; 95% CI, 2.55-17.33); perception that smoking is attractive (aOR=3.15; 95% CI, 1.17-8.44); exposure to secondhand smoke (aOR=2.93; 95% CI, 1.07-8.03); and internet awareness of tobacco use (aOR=3.22; 95% CI, 1.48-7.04).Conclusion Prevalence of adolescent tobacco use was low in Ibadan. Predict- ors were peer influence, access to cigarettes, misperceptions about tobacco use, exposure to secondhand smoke, and tobacco advert- ising. We recommend an antitobacco campaign that uses a peer education strategy, a comprehensive enforcement of tobacco ad- vertising, and a ban on public smoking.