Prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among Iraqi adolescents: Iraq GYTS 2012

The use of any form of tobacco by 13–15 year old individuals is 10% globally as identified through the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among Iraqi adolescents.

A cross sectional study was carried out on 1750 participants selected randomly from preparatory and secondary schools in Baghdad, Iraq in 2012. Through a multistage stratified random sample scheme. The GYTS questionnaire was applied.

The study results indicated that 21.8% of Iraqi adolescents are tobacco users (male 27.1%, female 12.7%). Cigarette smoking was noted as the main type of tobacco use (13.9%) followed by shisha (4.8%) and pipe (1.4%). The stepwise logistic regression indicated a number of predictors of tobacco use. Male adolescents were twice more likely to be tobacco users than female students (OR 2.31; 95%C.I: 1.57-3.42). Furthermore, students whose parents or sibling were smokers had doubled the risk of tobacco use relative to those with no parents or siblings current smokers (OR1.97; 95%C.I: 1.04-2.77 and OR1.86; 95%C.I: 1.21-2.87 respectively). Having close friends who smoked was also identified as an important risk factor towards adolescent tobacco use. Those who reported that some of their friends smoked were 2.67 times more likely to be smokers (95%C.I: 1.83-3.89), while those who reported that most/all of their friends were smokers were 8.18 times more likely to be smokers themselves (95%C.I: 4.65-14.39).

Smoking rates among Iraqi adolescents were found to be among the higher rates of adolescent smoking prevalence in the Middle East. Multiple family and peer related characteristics were related to tobacco use. Preventive activities should take place to curb the tobacco epidemic in Iraq.