Abstract
Background: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the world, with a higher burden in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence and predictors of smoking among Gambian men using nationally representative data. Methods: Data was collected in 2010 from a random, nationally representative sample of 4111 adults aged 25–64 years (78% response rate) using the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise cross-sectional survey methods. Our analyses focused on men with valid information on smoking status (n = 1766) because of the low prevalence of smoking among women (1%). Results: The prevalence of current smoking among men was 31.4% (95% CI: 27.2–35.9). The median age of starting smoking was 19 years; 25% started before the age of 18 years and 10% started aged 8–10 years. Rural residence, underweight, and hypertension were significantly associated with smoking. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of smoking among Gambian men. It is evident that cigarettes are obtained by minors in The Gambia, as a high proportion of current smokers started at a young age. Advice and support to quit smoking should be extended to all smokers regardless of their age and whether or not they have any underlying health conditions.
Highlights
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death
This study is based on secondary analysis of data from the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) STEP survey conducted among adults aged 25–64 years in The Gambia
The average number of cigarettes smoked per day was 10
Summary
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death. Tobacco companies are shifting their target to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to build a broader consumer base [2,3]. The countries/regions with the highest levels of smoking are expected to shift from LMICs in Europe and the Western Pacific to Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) set up a number of global targets on the prevention and control of NCDs, including a 30% reduction in the prevalence of current tobacco use in persons aged 15 years and above by 2025. Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the world, with a higher burden in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence and predictors of smoking among Gambian men using nationally representative data
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