P1.04 Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Dual Tobacco Use in a Rural Community in South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

National prevalence studies have consistently shown higher rates of dual tobacco use in South Eastern Nigeria but little is known about the pattern and factors associated with dual tobacco use in these parts of the country. Dual tobacco use is a greater health problem than mono use and needs to be researched. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and factors associated with dual tobacco use among residents of a rural community in South Eastern Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 490 residents of GBpo community selected using a two-stage sampling method. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed and P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The results showed that respondents were mostly male 300(61.2%) and aged between 20 and 70 years with a mean of 42.2 ± 15.4 years. Almost a quarter of the respondents, 101 (20.6%) were ever- dual tobacco users. Also, 210(42.9%) use only smokeless tobacco while only 110 (22.4%) use only smoked tobacco Dry snuff (73.8% of smokeless tobacco forms) cigarettes 82.2% (of smoked tobacco forms) were the most common forms of tobacco used. The primary reasons for tobacco use were: to relieve stress (61.2%); to increase levels of alertness (56.4%); for personal pleasure (55.9%) and social acceptance (52.1%). Age (p<0.0001), male gender (p<0.0001) and lower educational attainment (p<0.0001) were associated with dual tobacco use. About half of the respondents (51%) were aware that dual tobacco is more dangerous to human health than mono use and only about (27.1%) were aware that tobacco use is associated with lung cancer and COPD. Many of the respondents agreed that tobacco is a way of promoting friendship (65%) and should be used within their community (73%). Efforts targeted at raising community awareness of the health effects of dual tobacco use are needed in rural communities where dual tobacco use is disproportionately high. Programs should be directed to males with lower educational attainment.