Gender differences in use of cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco products among adolescents aged 13–15 years in 20 African countries
Introduction Examining gender differences in youth tobacco use is important as it aligns tobacco control within the context of broader human development goals seeking to eliminate gender inequalities. In this study, we examined gender differences in adolescent use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, s...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
European Publishing
2024-01-01
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| Series: | Tobacco Induced Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tobaccoinduceddiseases.org/Gender-differences-in-use-of-cigarette-and-non-cigarette-tobacco-products-among-adolescents,169753,0,2.html |
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| Summary: | Introduction
Examining gender differences in youth tobacco use is important as it
aligns tobacco control within the context of broader human development goals
seeking to eliminate gender inequalities. In this study, we examined gender
differences in adolescent use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, shisha, and
e-cigarettes in Africa.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Global Youth Tobacco
Survey. Our analytical sample comprised 56442 adolescents aged 13–15 years
from 20 African countries. Weighted, country-specific prevalence estimates
were computed overall and by gender. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) were
calculated in a multivariable Poisson regression model to examine whether
correlates of tobacco use differed between boys and girls.
Results
Ever cigarette smoking prevalence was significantly higher among boys
than girls in 16 of the 20 countries, but a significantly higher percentage of
girls reported earlier age of cigarette smoking initiation than boys within pooled
analysis. Some of the largest gender differences in current cigarette smoking
were seen in Algeria (12.2% vs 0.8%, boys and girls, respectively), Mauritius
(21.2% vs 6.6%), and Madagascar (15.0% vs 4.1%). Current use of e-cigarettes,
shisha, and smokeless tobacco was generally comparable between boys and girls
where data existed. Among girls, higher levels of reported exposure to tobacco
advertisement were positively associated with shisha smoking whereas perceived
tobacco harm was inversely associated with current cigarette and shisha smoking.
Among boys, perceived social acceptability of smoking at parties was associated
with an increased likelihood of cigarette smoking (APR=2.27; 95% Cl: 1.20–4.30).
Conclusions
The prevalence of cigarette smoking among boys was higher than that
of girls in many countries. However, girls who smoke tend to start at an earlier
age than boys. Differential gender patterns of cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco
product use among youth may have implications for future disease burden. As the
tobacco control landscape evolves, tobacco prevention efforts should focus on all
tobacco products, not just cigarettes. |
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| ISSN: | 1617-9625 |