Community participation in tobacco control in a Nigerian setting

This study explored the role of cultural factors in tobacco use in a Nigerian setting. Participants were 27 community members: community leaders (5), political analysts/officials of non-governmental organisations (4) and 18 young tobacco users (age range 18 and 24 years). Data on the cultural use of tobacco products and social norms around tobacco use were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method. Results suggest that accessibility and use of tobacco products in some Nigerian communities are facilitated by socio-cultural norms involving the provision of tobacco products as part of marriage dowry and burial rites, preparation of traditional medicines as well as the social practice of sending children on errands to sell or purchase tobacco products. The involvement of community leaders in community-based tobacco control is proposed.