Tehran University Medical Journal (Nov 2007)
Association of Socio-demographic characteristics and cigarette smoking: Savodjbolaq city Inhabitants
Abstract
Background: a number of factors such as socio-demographic and socioeconomic status have emerged as being associated with smoking. The main goal of the present study was to identify the relationship of socio-demographic factors and cigarette smoking, and to determine the indicators of smoking status in a community based case-control study.Methods: Using the random multistage cluster sampling method on the basis of family list kept in the health center, a head cluster was selected, and 25 clusters of 10 members each were chosen. One member was selected from each family to fill the questionnaire. The neighborhood method was used for selection of controls. The socio-demographic characteristics was assessed by a self administered questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V-11.5 software. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of age, sex, marital status, family size, number of close friends, number of smoking friends, and presence of smokers in the family with smoking status. Results: The mean smoking consumption of smokers in this study was 14.6 per day. The mean age of smoking initiation was 18.6 years. Fifty percent of people initiated smoking at ages less than 18. The mean years of education were significantly higher in nonsmokers. A significant inverse relationship exists between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and educational levels. The positive association between number of cigarette smoked per day and age was found (OR=1.2, CI 95% 1.07-1.4). Number of smoking friends in smokers were significantly more than in nonsmokers. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, and number of smoking friends, could be predictors of smoking status. The association between sex, marital status, family size, and education with smoking status were not significant. Conclusions: This study revealed the association between several socio-demographic factors with smoking status. Antismoking strategies for adults tend to emphasize smoking cessation, preventing smoking initiation is also important during young adulthood. Anyway, educational interventions are highly suggested.
