Global Youth Tobacco Survey-2024.

PROJECT STATUS
Ongoing

PROJECT DURATION
One Year

COLLABORATION
World Health Organization (WHO) – Technical support

DISTRICT (S)
Nationwide

BACKGROUND

Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. The World Health Organization reports that it causes more than eight million deaths annually, including over seven million from direct consumption and about 1.3 million from second-hand smoke exposure. All forms of tobacco including cigarettes, water pipe tobacco, cigars, roll-your-own tobacco, bidis, kreteks, heated tobacco products, and smokeless tobacco are harmful. Adolescents, defined as individuals aged 10–19 years, are especially at risk of starting tobacco use. Early initiation affects lung development and increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and other chronic conditions later in life.

In Nepal, tobacco use continues to pose a major public health concern. The Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, 2022 reported that 23% of households are exposed to tobacco smoke each day, with higher exposure in rural areas (27%) compared to urban areas (21%). Among adults, 28% of men and 5% of women reported current use of tobacco products. The Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 2011 found that 20.4% of students had used some form of tobacco, with 16.2% reporting smokeless tobacco use and 9.0% reporting smoked tobacco use. These figures highlight the need for updated evidence on adolescent tobacco use in Nepal.

The Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2024 has been planned to generate nationally representative data on tobacco use among school-going adolescents aged 13–15 years. The survey will measure the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of tobacco use, as well as exposure to second-hand smoke and tobacco advertising. Its results will provide essential evidence to guide tobacco control policies and strengthen adolescent-focused interventions in Nepal.

OBJECTIVE (S)

To assess the prevalence, patterns, and risk factors of tobacco use among adolescents aged 13–15 years in Nepal.

EXPECTED OUTPUT (S)

National and provincial prevalence of tobacco use among adolescents aged 13–15 years will be determined. The findings provide a key evidence base for strengthening tobacco control policies, guiding targeted interventions, and supporting advocacy and educational efforts.