The use of tobacco products among Nigerian adults: a general population survey.

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the incidence of cigarette smoking, cigar/pipe tobacco and snuff use in the Nigerian population. In a sample of 1271 adult heads of household (1137 males, 134 females) the overall prevalence of regular smoking was 22.6%. The proportions of regular cigar/pipe tobacco and snuff users were 17.9% and 9.6% respectively. Among cigarette smokers, 60.6% smoked at least half a pack a day, 11.2% at least one pack a day. Males smoked more than females. The poor, uneducated respondents smoked more than the relatively rich and educated. Smoking was more rampant in the third decade of life than in other age groups. Smokers had a higher incidence of health problems and both nonsmokers and heavy smokers were less aware of the risk of smoking than light smokers. In light of the above it is suggested that health education should be a major component of tobacco and health policy in Nigeria.