ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL OF AWARENESS OF PASSIVE SMOKING AMONG THE YOUTH IN TECHIMAN MUNICIPALITY: 2010

Passive Smoking is a menace in Africa, particularly in Ghana. According to Scientist, over 60 out of 400 chemicals in tobacco are carcinogenic (cancer causing). In Techiman alone, about 70% of the youth smoke. It is therefore imperative to examine the knowledge on awareness of passive smoking to emphasize the awareness of the dangers associated with non-smokers close to active smokers and possible suggestions to avoid them.
In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a cross-sectional survey was used to collect information necessary for reliability and accuracy. In this, both primary and secondary data was useful. Structured and unstructured questionnaires were framed to reflect the objectives of the study.
About 17% of smoked due to fashion, 7% to relieve problems, whiles 60% smoked due to peer pressure. Analysis of smoking places identified 34% at home, 28% smoked in spots and 27% were floating smokers whiles 11% smoked in restaurants when eating or relaxing.
Related information shows that passive smoking causes heart diseases (tuberculosis) and cancer. There is the need to ban smoking and embark on health education of its dangers. Cigarette companies should help to find the possibility of banning smoking and recommendations to reduce cigarette smoking diseases.