Abstract
ObjectivesTo assess the magnitude and pattern of socioeconomic inequality in current smoking in low and middle income countries.MethodsWe used data from the World Health Survey [WHS] in 48 low-income and middle-income countries to estimate the crude prevalence of current smoking according to household wealth quintile. A Poisson regression model with a robust variance was used to generate the Relative Index of Inequality [RII] according to wealth within each of the countries studied.ResultsIn males, smoking was disproportionately prevalent in the poor in the majority of countries. In numerous countries the poorest men were over 2.5 times more likely to smoke than the richest men. Socioeconomic inequality in women was more varied showing patterns of both pro-rich and pro-poor inequality. In 20 countries pro-rich relative socioeconomic inequality was statistically significant: the poorest women had a higher prevalence of smoking compared to the richest women. Conversely, in 9 countries women in the richest population groups had a statistically significant greater risk of smoking compared to the poorest groups.ConclusionBoth the pattern and magnitude of relative inequality may vary greatly between countries. Prevention measures should address the specific pattern of smoking inequality observed within a population.
Highlights
There is substantial evidence that poor people in resource rich countries carry the heaviest burden of tobacco related premature death and disability [1]
Socioeconomic inequality is apparent in initiation: the risk that a young person will begin smoking is greater in less privileged groups [2]; and in cessation: quit rates are lower in the poorest groups and for those living in socially disadvantaged areas [3]
The World Health Survey (WHS) collected data on smoking in a couple of high-income countries, this study focuses on 48 low- and middle-income countries surveyed for data on current smoking and demographic and socioeconomic factors
Summary
There is substantial evidence that poor people in resource rich countries carry the heaviest burden of tobacco related premature death and disability [1]. Socioeconomic inequality is apparent in initiation: the risk that a young person will begin smoking is greater in less privileged groups [2]; and in cessation: quit rates are lower in the poorest groups and for those living in socially disadvantaged areas [3]. It is apparent that social determinants of smoking may vary between countries [5] and that while health inequalities almost always exist within countries, the magnitude of inequality can vary greatly between countries [6]. Addressing the equity dimensions of tobacco has become an important political and public health priority. This focus remains to be applied in low and middle income countries where relatively little is known about inequality in tobacco use
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
