THE CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF CIGARETTE SMOKING AMONG YOUTH

Project Abstract

This study is set to examine the causes and consequences of cigarette smoking among youths in Dutsinma local government Area of Katsina State. The study examined the factors responsible for youth involvement in cigarette smoking and its effect on the health and general well-being of youths in the study area. The study employed the quantitative and qualitative research methods to obtain data from the respondents. The stratified random sampling technique was used to select 100 respondents for the study. Questionnaires and indepth interviews methods were used to obtain data from the respondents. Findings of the study revealed that the major factors responsible for cigarette smoking among youths include the need to feel sociable, to chase bore-dam and to feel warm. It was also discovered that smoking carried a lot of consequences ranging from health related issues, to possibility to influence youths into anti-social behaviour. The study recommended that policy frameworks be draw up by the government towards discouraging tobacco companies from operating in the country. also, public enlightenment and sensitization on the negative effect of cigarette should be stepped up.

Project Overview

Cigarette smoking has been associated with an extensive list of health disorders as well as reduction of life expectancy (Detels 2002; Doll et al 2004). On the average, cigarette smokers lose about 15 years of their life (WHO 2008) and an estimated 4 million.