Promoting Youth Participation in Tobacco Control and Smoke-Free Public Health Policy in Nigeria

Abstract

Tobacco use is a major public health problem and one of the most important preventable causes of morbidity and premature mortality in the world. In Nigeria, although there is legislation to control tobacco and public health prevention policies to reduce tobacco use, many young people continue to use tobacco, thereby increasing their risk of heart diseases, respiratory diseases, cancer and other non-communicable diseases. This policy brief seeks to explore the contribution youth participation can make to the successful development and implementation of tobacco control and the implementation of smoke-free public health policies in Nigeria. The brief was created based on the qualitative findings from Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with youth, community stakeholders, and public health actors. Thematic content analysis was used to identify issues that emerged from the data with regard to tobacco use, awareness of tobacco control policies, youth involvement, and opportunities for policy change. Results showed that tobacco products, such as cigarettes, shisha, snuff, and other products containing nicotine, continue to be easily available to the youth. Peer pressure, poverty, environmental factors, exposure, and social media were mentioned as key factors in smoking initiation among adolescents and young adults. The study also revealed a lack of awareness regarding current tobacco control laws, low uptake of smoking bans, and limited youth participation in the development and implementation of tobacco control policies. Participants indicated that smoking is still prevalent in public places and community. The results also confirmed that youth have great potential to help in tobacco prevention by engaging in peer education, community sensitisation, school-based campaigns, digital advocacy, and supporting smoke-free initiatives