Knowledge and Attitudes of Patent Medicine Vendors towards Tobacco Harm Reduction in Ebonyi State, Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study
January 06, 2025 by clinmedjournals.org
Knowledge and Attitudes of Patent Medicine Vendors towards Tobacco Harm Reduction in Ebonyi State, Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Study
Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent in Nigeria, and while most smokers are aware of its harmful effects and express a desire to quit, they often struggle to do so successfully. Tobacco harm reduction (THR) products, such as electronic cigarettes, have shown promise in aiding smoking cessation. Integrating patent medicine vendors (PMVs), who play a significant role in public health initiatives in Nigeria, could enhance the accessibility of THR products to smokers. A study was conducted in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, using a convergent mixed-methods design to assess PMVs' knowledge and attitudes toward THR. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 320 PMVs and in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 25 PMVs. Findings revealed low awareness and poor knowledge of THR among PMVs. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square tests, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
