Knowledge, attitude, and usage pattern of tobacco among high school students in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

In Myanmar, although the law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to and by those aged less than 18 years, the use of smoking and smokeless tobacco among high school students is a social problem. There has been no previous study on tobacco use or knowledge of tobacco law among students in Nay Pyi Taw. A survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and usage pattern of tobacco among high school students in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The data were collected in three high schools, from 300 students of Grade 10 and 11, in September 2015, using anonymous self-administered questionnaires which included characteristics of students, knowledge, attitude, and usage pattern of tobacco. Of the 300 students, 104 (34.7%) were smokers and 85 (28.3%) were users of smokeless tobacco. The average age of first use of tobacco was 14 years. Although most students knew about the ill effects of tobacco, only 25% knew about the Tobacco Product Law. The most common source of tobacco was friends and male family members were main smokers in families. Most students had seen male teachers and headmasters smoking in schools. The usage of tobacco and smokeless tobacco was associated with sex and the students' attitude towards tobacco. This study indicated that the high school students knew about the ill effects of tobacco, but not about the Tobacco Product Law. Schools need to educate students and teachers about tobacco and the Tobacco Product Law and the enforcement of the law is also needed.