Predictors of Smoking Initiation Among the Youth in Kiambaa Sub County, Kiambu County

Abstract

The study explored the predictors of smoking initiation among youth aged 12-34 years in Kiambaa Sub County, Kiambu County. The study aimed to establish smoking prevalence, determine effect of psychosocial risk factors and identify relationship between socio-economic factors on smoking initiation among the youth. A sample size of 384 youths was calculated using Fishers Formula and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Logit model was used to evaluate association between smoking predictors and smoking initiation among the youth. It was found that 58.5 percent of the youth ever smoked, having first smoked at an average age of 17 years. Significant psychosocial risk factors predicting smoking initiation included use of alcohol and drug, peer influence and self-esteem while significant social-economic predictors of smoking initiation included gender, age, educational attainment by parent or guardian, marital status and family size. The study concludes that significant predictors of smoking initiation among youth in Kiambaa Sub County fall under two categories; social-economic and psychosocial risk factors. The study recommends for youth sensitization on dangers of smoking in seminars, workshops and mainstream media including radio stations, televisions, social media and newspapers by the county government and National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA). Marital counseling by marriage experts, clan members and religious leaders regarding challenges associated with marriage be conducted, parents and guardians act as role model to the youth. Counseling in school, churches and community be conducted to address low self-esteem and devise mechanisms to create self-worth among the youth.