Tobacco Use Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Secondary School Students in Katsina State

Tobacco use initiation during adolescence carries lifelong health consequences and is influenced by knowledge levels, social attitudes, and the immediate school environment. This study examines knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding tobacco use among senior secondary school students in Katsina State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 300 students from 10 secondary schools across two local government areas using a validated questionnaire assessing tobacco knowledge, attitude toward tobacco use, personal tobacco use practices, and exposure to tobacco smoke in the home and school environment. Findings indicate that knowledge of tobacco health hazards is high at 81 percent, with lung cancer and respiratory disease most widely recognised consequences. Despite high knowledge levels, attitudes toward tobacco use are permissive among 33 percent of respondents, particularly among male students. Current tobacco use, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, is reported by 18 percent of respondents, with smokeless tobacco use more prevalent in certain rural communities. The presence of smokers in the household is the strongest predictor of adolescent tobacco experimentation in multivariate analysis, followed by peer use and perceived social acceptability. School-based tobacco-free policies are absent in 65 percent of sampled schools. Recommendations include implementation of tobacco-free school policies, integration of tobacco prevention into health education, and community-level tobacco control advocacy. Keywords: tobacco use, knowledge, attitudes, secondary school students, Katsina State