Cigarette Smoking Among Libyan Adolescents: Prevalence, Initiation Factors, And Prevention Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69667/lmj.2517301Keywords:
Cigarette Smoking, Adolescents, Prevalence, Gender Disparity, Peer Influence..Abstract
Tobacco smoking among adolescents remains a critical public health challenge, with profound implications for long-term health outcomes and societal well-being. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking among school students in Tripoli-Libya and explore the key initiation factors to inform locally tailored prevention strategies. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted across six randomly selected governmental middle and high schools in one of the largest Municipalities in Tripoli, targeting 379 students aged 10–18 years. A pretested, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was administered to assess current and lifetime cigarette smoking, sociodemographic characteristics, and self-reported reasons for initiation. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22. The total prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 10%, while the prevalence of cigarette smoking ever use was 26.6%. Ever use of cigarette smoking was significantly higher among male students (32%) compared to females (3%). Students in grades ten and twelve had the highest prevalence, followed by those in grade nine. Male gender was a statistically significant factor associated with cigarette smoking (p<0.05). The most common self-reported reasons for cigarette smoking included imitating smokers, curiosity, and expressing masculinity (p<0.05). This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on adolescent cigarette smoking patterns, with higher rates among males and older students, suggesting smoking may symbolize a transition to adulthood.
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