The study says the strategy has been successful in reducing the rate of tobacco use in countries such as Britain and Brazil.
The study, entitled Tobacco use among adolescents in Pakistan, was recently conducted by Dr. Javaid A. Khan, Dr Suleman Haque and Dr. Ganatra Hammad of pulmonary and critical care medicine Department of the Aga Khan University. The report will be published shortly in the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.
Under the survey, a sample of 644 girls attending classes from 8 to 12 in public and private schools was taken from Clifton, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and PECHS.
The survey shows that 16.3 percent of students smoked at least once in their life and 30-day smoking prevalence was found in 6.4 percent of the students. The study also refers to other work, which puts the figure of the prevalence of smoking among adolescent students by 13.7 percent.
The highest in South Asia
Comparison of the prevalence of 6.4pc in the Global Tobacco Survey of Youth (GYTS)-India, was found higher than the data presented in 13 out of 18 cities in India. Moreover, the prevalence in the coastal city of Pakistan was the highest among all the other South Asian countries, including Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka, according to GYTS. According to the research report, 438 girls from private schools and 206 public schools were surveyed. The average age of students was calculated as 15.29. The number of smokers was found highest in the age group of 15-year-old girl.
Getting started with a friend
The most popular first satellite tobacco other, followed closely by first-degree family member. A common way to buy cigarettes was home, and then by borrowing from someone and buy at the store next door.
Among the 57 students who tried to buy cigarettes, less than half had been denied due to their minors by shop owners. The fact that most of the students was able to buy cigarettes without problems shows that the relevant laws were ineffective in the fight against tobacco sales to minors customers.
A common place for smoking friend's house. When asked if any member of their family had been a smoker for about 41 percent of girls who smoke said yes and put the blame on their fathers.
Oddly enough, smokers had a good knowledge of the dangers of tobacco and more than 80 percent of girls were already aware that smoking can cause oral cancer, asthma, chronic cough, lung cancer and oral sub-mucosal fibrosis.
Among the interviewed girls, twelve admitted that they had used other drugs. Of these, 83 percent said they first tried cigarettes.
A symbol of freedom
Report attributes the high prevalence of smoking among teenage girls in Western lifestyles, changing social roles and attitudes towards women.
"Smoking among women who had once thought to be associated with a loose character and immoral behavior has now become a symbol of freedom for women in developing countries, partly because of the powerful but subtle messages sent through tobacco advertising," he says.
It says that apparently the tobacco companies have changed their marketing strategies by shifting their attention in relation to previously untapped markets in developing countries.
"For decades, the tobacco industry has successfully marketed its products for women in developed countries. But women and girls in Asia are currently the only possibility of Product Marketing, the largest in the world that can be easily exploited," it comments. Recalling the World Health Organization and the GYTS findings, he stressed the need to combat the ongoing tobacco advertising and marketing practices that are aimed at young women.
"These young women should be given an alternative way of independence and self-confidence. At the same time, they should be aware of the impact of tobacco on health, especially reproductive health," the study adds.
Popularity Sheesha
Another important factor, the study reveals, may be the growing popularity of Sheesha (flavored tobacco smoked in water pipes). Studies have shown that there is a widespread view among people who Sheesha less harmful to health than cigarettes, which could lead to higher consumption of tobacco in this form.
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