Egyptian Smoking Prevention Research Institute (ESPRI)1, Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine 2, and University of Maryland 3, Zagazig University 4, Minstry of Health and Population 5.

Abstract

This study assesses cigarette and waterpipe smoking among youth school drop outs compared to students of similar age in rural Egypt . An interview questionnaire survey was carried out in nine villages in rural Egypt as part of a 5 year cohort study on smoking.

 This study was limited only to males since there were no female out of school smokers reported. The prevalence of smoking among school dropout youth was 22.1% for cigarettes and 4.4% for waterpipe as compared to 7.6%, and 2.5%(p<.001) respectively for students with no difference in age of initiation. Reasons for smoking such as peer pressure, and accessibility to cigarettes did not differ significantly. School drop outs youth attempted to quit less often (32.7%) as compared to students (48.5%p<.001) and less exposed to religious books or religious radio programs (71.1% versus 94.8%) and less aware about the religious order(fatwa) prohibiting smoking (58.2% versus 73.1%p<.001). School dropouts reported significantly less access to any health education programs from the mosques and other sources. Our focus group analysis shows that youth clubs are a popular place for these kids to meet.

Conclusion:

School drop outs have significantly higher prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking. Youth clubs may offer a venue to reach these kids who report less access to health education programs.

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