Generation at risk: Findings and recommendations from the tobacco and nicotine use among adolescents DaYTA survey 2024

Abstract

Peer and family influences play a significant role in adolescent use of tobacco and nicotine products, with boys and older adolescents being at a notably higher risk. Additional factors associated with tobacco use include observing someone smoking inside school buildings and exposure to second-hand smoke at home. Despite perceptions of profitability, the cost of using or producing tobacco or nicotine far outweighs any financial gain from product sales. Current evidence provides crucial, up-to-date, and inclusive data to inform policy decisions.To address these challenges, actionable recommendations include instituting legal reforms such as banning the importation, manufacture, and sale of new and emerging products, as well as enforcing stricter restrictions on sales to adolescents. Strengthening these measures is essential to protect the health and well-being of Kenya’s adolescents and youth and to reduce the long-term burden of tobacco-related diseases.