Young People’s Smoking Behavior, Determinants, and Health Consequences: Evidence from Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS)

Amos O. Oyedokun, Obafemi Awolowo University

This paper examined the determinants and health consequences of smoking among youths in Cape Town, South Africa between 2002 and 2005. Findings show that 25% of the respondents had started smoking cigarette while 3% had started smoking dagga or other drug at the baseline. More than a third of those who smoked cigarette and about a third of those who smoked dagga or other drugs in 2002 were less than 18 years. Being a male and a coloured, and living in predominantly coloured neighbourhoods significantly associated with smoking cigarette and dagga/other drugs in past month. Childhood place of residence being urban and living in poor neighbourhoods significantly associates with smoking cigarette and dagga. Also, those who have initiated cigarette smoking at the first wave were significantly more likely to self-report smoking-related illnesses in the three waves. Therefore, program and policy interventions should be designed to address such behaviour.