Table 1 Distribution (%) of tobacco promoting and restraining factors among Ghanaian youth by smoking intentions

Smoking status

55.2

1

<0.001

Ever smokers

43

57

Never smokers

79

21

Gender

0.0

1

0.987

Boys

77

23

Girls

77

23

Age

1.4

3

0.707

12-14 years

75

25

15-16 years

77

23

17-18 years

78

22

19-20 years

74

26

Environmental and familial indicators

Smoking allowed on school compound

18.9

2

<0.001

Yes

56.2

43.8

No

78.2

21.8

Don’t know

60.9

39.1

Taught harmful effects of smoking in school

4.3

2

0.119

Yes

78.0

22.0

No

76.3

23.7

Not sure

67.6

32.4

Refused cigarette sale due to age

1.8

2

0.185

I never tried to buy tobacco

79.7

20.3

Yes

49.3

50.7

No

59.8

40.2

Exposure to tobacco advertisement

13.4

1

<0.001

Yes

72.3

27.7

No

81.0

19.0

Parental smoking

22.3

2

<0.001

None

79.2

20.8

One or both parents smokes

50.0

50.0

Can’t say

55.0

45.0

Family member discussed harmful effects of smoking

1.1

1

0.301

Yes

77.6

22.4

No

74.8

25.2

Knowledge/attitude indicators

Perceive smoking as harmful to health

87.7

4

<0.001

Completely agree

81.4

18.6

Slightly agree

48.6

51.4

Completely disagree

50.0

50.0

Slightly disagree

63.2

36.8

Not sure

44.4

55.6

It is difficult to quit smoking once started

19.2

4

0.001

Completely agree

50.0

50.0

Slightly agree

80.3

19.7

Completely disagree

70.4

29.6

Slightly disagree

65.8

34.2

Not sure

68.4

31.6

Tobacco should not be sold to those under 18 yrs of age

50.0

4

<0.001

Completely agree

80.6

19.4

Slightly agree

63.5

36.5

Completely disagree

63.5

36.5

Slightly disagree

44.8

55.2

Not sure

61.4

38.6