Prevalence of tobacco use and its determinants among adults aged 18 years and above in urban slum of Lahore, Pakistan: WHO STEPS survey

Abstract

Background: Despite stringent tobacco control policies, implementation has always been a challenge and thus tobacco epidemic is increasing environmental health concerns especially respiratory disease burden. The objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of tobacco use and its predictors among adults ≥ 18 years residing in the urban slum of Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among randomly selected 607 participants ≥ 18 years belong to urban, Lahore. The WHO STEP wise approach questionnaire was adapted and used. The outcome of interest was “current use of smoke and smokeless tobacco on a daily basis”. We performed logistic regression analysis to determine the independent factors behind tobacco use. Results: The mean (± SD) age of participants was 45.2 (± 12.7) years and 64% were females. The prevalence of smoking and smokeless tobacco was 10.5% and 8.6% respectively. Both smoking and smokeless tobacco use was more likely among age group 50 to 59 years (AOR: 5.6, 95% CI: 1.6-19) and (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.1-12.2), respectively and more likely among unemployed (AOR: 6.6, 95% CI:2.9-14.9) and (AOR:3.6, 95% CI: 1.1-12.2) respectively. Tobacco use is more likely among those with no media exposure related to warning (AOR: 5.1, 95% CI: 1.8-17.4). Conclusion: There is a dire need to consider a multi-pronged approach in light of local contexts for enhancing employment opportunities and increasing awareness through multiple media channels for effective implementation of tobacco policy measures.