The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Data collection in most developing contries is a luxury. Youth smoking prevalence in Dakar Senegal is estimated at 40-50%. The Tobacco Industry has increased agressive marketing campaigns, inondating Senegal with billboard advertising and Tobacco Industry sponsorship. Assessing community readiness is a critical step in implementing tobacco-free policies.

Methods: 857 teachers, students, and parents from 35 secondary schools were surveyed. Subjects randomly selected-age range 14-41 years old. Variables surveyed included opinions on: economic policy, promotion of tobacco related products, education, policies on tobacco use, consumer information, health, distribution, and collaboration. Sample represented cohorts from different socio-economic, educational-professional and ethnic groups.

Results: Economic policy : 819 (95.57%) favoured increased prices/taxation, and allocating funding for health/social/youth programs. Promotion of tobacco related products : 702 (81.91%) of 857 supported a total ban of tobacco advertising/tobacco sponsorship and imposing fines/sanctions for violations. Education : of 857, 843 (98.37%) found curriculum development with health education, life skills, peer education components, students participation and parental involvement, and using media to raise public awerness on public policy issues, heath promotion and environmental tobacco smoke were important. Policy on tobacco use : 529 (61.73%) of 857 supported enforcement of a minimum purchase age purchase and the establishment of smoke-free policies in schools, sports facilities, heath centers, stores ; agreed that legislation, incentives, educational campaigns and media can help promoting tobacco use policy. Consumer information : 620 (72.35%) of 857 favoured heath warnings and content labeling. Health : 601 (70.13%) of 857 supported training medical school and health staff, counseling and cessation services for young people.