CIGARETTE SMOKING AND KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH IMPLICATION CAMPAIGN ON CIGARETTE PACKS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, UMUDIKE

Abstract

Smoking has been identified as a health risk; a pattern of behavior usually acquired during adolescence. It is a growing public health problem in the developing world and also an important global challenge for public health policy makers. Based on this, the Federal Ministry of Health came up with health warnings which adorn every cigarette pack sold in Nigeria to campaign against cigarette smoking.  The level of success recorded by the campaigns remains a subject of enquiry. This study, therefore, examined cigarette smoking and knowledge of its Health implications campaign on cigarette packs among students of Michael Okpara University Umudike. Specifically, the study sought to ascertain if the undergraduate students who smoke in the University are aware of the anti-smoking campaign message on the cigarette packs. Also to ascertain if these smokers are exposed to the campaign messages on the cigarette packs. Again to verify how these smokers respond to the anti-smoking campaign message on cigarette packs and to determine also, if there are other factors other than the anti-smoking campaign message that can induce these smokers to re-consider smoking. The study was designed as a survey. A sample of 500 respondents was drawn from the population which is made up of all the undergraduate students of Michael Okpara University Umudike. Statistical result indicates a weak relationship between the target audience and the level of knowledge of campaign on cigarette packs. Findings also show that majority of the respondents have the radio as their main source of news/information and religion among other factors like economy and marriage can make most respondents re-consider smoking.