Prevalence and Contexts of Smoking among the People of Kaiama Community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cigarette smoking continues to destroy many lives across the globe. This study was conducted to evaluate the various contexts of cigarette smoking in a community in Bayelsa state of Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out utilizing questionnaires administered randomly to 434 consenting respondents. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 20. There were more males (61.8%), singles (48.8%); Christians (88.5%), Ijaws (56.2%); 42.2% were aged 31-60 years; 30.2% and 28.8% were respectively students and civil servants. Smoking prevalence was 45.9%; 47.2% started smoking at age 16-25; 30% always smoked to relieve stress; 59.3% of smokers smoked 1-5 sticks a day; 66% also smoked Indian hemp; 93.3% were aware that smokers were liable to die young; 60% still smoked because they were addicted to it; 82.7% attempted to stop smoking; respondents complained of cough (62.7%), chest pain (20.7%); friends (56.0%) and relatives (20%) were the major influencers; 26.3% had fathers that smoked; friends and relatives had high influence; 55.5% were not in favour of non-smoking policy in public places. Gender and marital status were correlated with smoking prevalence. Public enlightenment and smoking-cessation programmes are urgently needed in this community.