Premature mortality attributable to tobacco smoking among Tunisian adults in 2016

Abstract

Abstract Background Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for several debilitating health conditions, causing thus premature deaths and disability. Globally, 8 million deaths, mainly occurring in low and middle income countries, are attributable to tobacco use each year. We aimed in this study to estimate the premature mortality attributable to current cigarettes smoking among Tunisian adults aged 35-69 years. Methods The population attributable fraction (PAF) method was used to estimate the number of premature deaths attributable to smoking. The estimates for the total number of deaths in Tunisia in 2016 by causes were obtained from the health metrics database. The current cigarettes smoking prevalence was taken from a nationally representative household survey conducted in 2016 and the used relative risks were obtained from the cancer prevention study II of the American Cancer Society. Results A total of 3219 premature deaths were attributable to current cigarettes smoking accounting for 23.1% (34.2% in men and 2.1% in women) of the total number of deaths. The leading causes of premature mortality attributable to smoking were lung cancers (PAF= 79.6%), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (PAF= 54.5%) and upper aerodigestive tract cancers (PAF= 54.3%). Conclusions Nearly a quarter of premature deaths in Tunisia in 2016 were attributable to tobacco smoking. This underscores the need to enhance the MPOWER measures application mainly through the promotion of anti-tobacco awareness campaigns and the reimbursement of smoking cessation treatments. Key messages Tobacco smoking were responsible for a significant percentage of premature deaths mainly among Tunisian men in 2016. Our results highlight the urge to enhance the MPOWER measures application in Tunisia.