Prevalence Of Cigarette Smoking Research Articles

Prevalence and associated factors of cigarette smoking and substance use among university entrance test-taking students: A GIS-based study.

Numerous studies have examined substance use and smoking behavior among adolescents and university students. However, little is known about these behaviors among students undergoing university entrance tests, a critical transition period from adolescence to adulthood. The entrance test can significantly affect students' mental health, potentially leading to substance use. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of cigarette smoking and substance use among students taking these exams and the associated factors. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on September 4th and 11th, 2022 to collect data from 1,480 university entrance test-taking students using a convenience sampling technique. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were conducted using SPSS software. Besides, GIS mapping was used to visualize the distribution of substance use and smoking behavior across districts via ArcGIS. The study found a 10% prevalence of current tobacco smoking and 4% substance use. Females (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.38-2.85), urban residence (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.42-2.88), repeater (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.02-2.06), anxiety (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.10-2.19), burnout (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.00-2.12), and suicidal behavior (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.03-2.40) were the significant factors for cigarette use. Whereas the urban residence (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.11-3.31), anxiety (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.45-4.20), and suicidal behavior (OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.55-4.92) significantly increased the risk of substance use. GIS analysis revealed males varied in substance use and females in tobacco smoking by district. Repeat test-takers were associated with district variations in both smoking and substance use. Educational institutions, public health authorities, and policymakers must implement mental health support and substance use prevention programs for students. Integrating mental health education, providing resources, and enforcing regulations can promote healthier coping strategies and reduce substance use risks among students.

Factors associated with intentions to quit tobacco use in Lebanon: A cross-sectional survey

IntroductionThe prevalence of tobacco smoking in Lebanon is among the highest globally. This study aims to determine past attempts to quit smoking among adults and identify factors associated with intentions to quit. MethodsA nationally representative telephone survey was conducted between June and August 2022. Eligibility criteria included people aged >=18 years residing in Lebanon. The questionnaire was divided into three components: socio-demographic characteristics, cigarette and waterpipe tobacco use behaviours. Binary logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with intention to quit cigarette and waterpipe tobacco use. ResultsA total of 2003 respondents were included in the study. The prevalence of any tobacco product use was 41%, the prevalence of current cigarette smoking was 41% and the prevalence of current waterpipe tobacco use was 20%. Approximately 24% of adults who smoke cigarettes and 26% of those who use waterpipe tobacco had previous quit attempts mainly due to health concerns. Intentions to quit smoking within the next 6 months were reported among 12% of survey respondents. Among adults who smoke, past quit attempts increased the likelihood of intentions to quit cigarette smoking by 5-fold (OR: 5.11; 95% CI: 1.80–14.47, p = 0.002) and waterpipe tobacco use by 7-fold (OR: 6.98, 95% CI: 2.63–18.51, p = <0.001). Age and income were associated with intentions to quit cigarette but not waterpipe tobacco use. ConclusionIntention to quit smoking was strongly associated with past quitting attempts. Understanding factors associated with intentions to quit can help inform the development of context specific smoking cessation interventions.

Modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Iraqi Kurdistan population: a large epidemiological study

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered the leading factor of morbidity and mortality across the world. This study aimed to identify the modifiable risk factors of CVDs in the Kurdistan Region. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the patients who visited and were diagnosed with any type of CVDs and treated in a main private cardiac center in Duhok governorate in Kurdistan Region were included between the years 2018 and 2023. The study found a similar percentage of male and female patients. The percentage of old patients was significantly increased from 18-19 to ≥70. The most preventable modifiable risk factors among cardiac patients were hypertension (86.17%), physical inactivity (60.59%), diabetes (40.15%), and dyslipidemia (56.31%). The less preventable modifiable risk factors were alcohol (4.01%) and cigarette smoking (14.43%). Males had a higher prevalence of cigarette smoking (24.63% vs. 4.38%; P&lt;0.0001) and female patients had a higher prevalence of hypertension (91.25% vs. 81.02%; P&lt;0.000), diabetes (44.43% vs. 35.80 %; P=0.0007) and dyslipidemia (59.15% vs. 53.43%; P=0.0257). In terms of family history of heart disease, the middle age group had a higher prevalence compared to younger and older age groups. Diabetes and cigarette smoking was more prevalent among older age groups, while dyslipidemia was more prevalent among younger and older age groups. Alcohol, physical inactivity, and hypertension were similar among age groups. Hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and physical inactivity were the most prevalent risk factors for CVDs in this region. The older patients had significantly higher rates of some of these risk factors.

Cigarette Smoking, Risky Alcohol Consumption, and Marijuana Smoking among University Students in Germany: Identification of Potential Sociodemographic and Study-Related Risk Groups and Predictors of Consumption.

(1) Background: Cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking are the most common behaviors related to legal and illicit drug use worldwide, including among university students. To plan effective evidence-based programs to prevent the risky consumption of these substances among university students, the present study aimed to identify potential sociodemographic and study-related risk groups and predictors of consumption. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional online health survey with approximately 270 health-related items was conducted among students at the University of Mainz, Germany. Cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C score: female ≥ 4, male ≥ 5), and marijuana smoking were chosen as dependent variables. Of the 270 health-related items, 56 were chosen as independent variables and collated into five groups (sociodemographic, psychological, study-related psychosocial, general psychosocial and health behavior). The prevalence of cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking was assessed using established and validated instruments. Pearson's chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in prevalence between the sociodemographic and study-related groups, and binary logistic regression was used for analyses with stepwise inclusion of the five variable groups. (3) Results: Of the 3991 university students who entered the analyses, 14.9% reported smoking cigarettes, 38.6% reported risky alcohol consumption, and 10.9% reported smoking marijuana. The prevalence of these differed between genders, fields of study, and aspired degree level, among other factors. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed nine significant predictors (p ≤ 0.05) of cigarette smoking (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.314), 18 significant predictors of risky alcohol consumption (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.270), and 16 significant predictors of marijuana smoking (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.239). (4) Conclusions: This study showed cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking among university students in Germany to be associated with multiple factors, especially health behaviors. Furthermore, each of the substances was highly associated with each of the two other substances we examined. Other variable groups, such as psychological or psychosocial variables, seemed to play a rather minor role. Therefore, our recommendation for future prevention programs is that substance use among university students should be addressed as a whole, not just in terms of specific substances.

Association between psychosocial factors and co-morbid cigarette smoking and alcohol use in a population experiencing homelessness

The prevalence of combustible cigarette smoking in populations experiencing homelessness in the United States is five times that of the general population. The psychosocial well-being of persons who smoke and experience homelessness is poorer if such persons also use alcohol heavily. The PTQ2 study was a randomized clinical trial among persons experiencing homelessness who were also current smokers and heavy alcohol consumers. Secondary data analysis of the PTQ2 baseline data was conducted to examine associations among psychosocial variables (anxiety, depression, hopelessness, social network size), heaviness of smoking (cigarettes/day) and alcohol consumption (drinking days/month), and duration and frequency of homelessness. Among the 420 participants, the majority were male (75%), black (70%) and non-Hispanic (94%) with a mean age of 46.6 years (SD = 11.6). Bivariate analyses show that heaviness of smoking was positively correlated with social network size (r = 0.16, p = .001). Heaviness of drinking was positively correlated with the MINI anxiety score (r = 0.13, p = .009) and marijuana use (median total number of drinks in past 30 days among those who used marijuana in past 30 days vs. did not use: 50 vs. 24, p < .0001), and associated with frequency of homelessness (median total number of drinks in past 30 days among those experiencing homelessness once vs. >1 time: 30 vs. 44, p = .022). The findings highlight the psychosocial factors that warrant consideration when addressing heavy smoking and alcohol consumption in persons experiencing homelessness.

Prevalence and correlates of current cigarette smoking among transgender women in Argentina.

To assess the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among transgender women in Argentina, and to examine the unique associations of current cigarette smoking with demographic and psychosocial factors. This study is a secondary data analysis of the TransCITAR - a prospective cohort study of transgender individuals living in Buenos Aires, Argentina - baseline data. The baseline survey collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, perceived health status, depressive symptoms, suicide attempts, current cigarette smoking, alcohol use disorder, and substance use. Participants were also asked about lifetime experiences of physical and sexual violence perpetrated by partners, clients and/or the police, and experiences of gender identity stigma in the past year from healthcare workers and the police. Lastly, participants were asked if they had ever been arrested. Fisher's exact test was used to compare proportions in categorical variables and student t-test was used for continuous variables. Significant associations with current cigarette smoking were tested in a logistic regression model adjusted for all significant associations. A total of 41.7% of participants (n = 393) reported current cigarette smoking. Compared to their non-smoking counterparts, participants who reported current cigarette smoking (1) had completed less education, (2) were more likely to be born in Argentina, (3) more likely to had migrated to Buenos Aires from other parts of the country, (4) more likely to report a history of sex work, (5) more likely to perceive their health as excellent, (6) more likely to screen positive for hazardous alcohol drinking, (7) more likely to report any substance and cocaine use in the past year, (8) more likely to experience gender identity stigma from the police in the past year, and (9) more likely to being arrested in their lifetime (all p's < 0.05). After controlling for all significant associations, education level of less than high school (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.02-2.12), hazardous drinking (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.30-5.37), and any substance use in the last year (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.16-3.94) were positively and independently associated with current cigarette smoking. Among transgender women in Argentina, current cigarette smoking was more than double the rate for cisgender women. Current cigarette smoking was associated with education, hazardous drinking, and any drug use. These results will inform future smoking cessation interventions among transgender women in Argentina.

Association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking addiction, and alcohol use disorder among a sample of Lebanese adults.

Alexithymia can be associated with worse addictive traits, while emotional intelligence is associated with better addictive outcomes. In Lebanon, the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking is on the rise, although people are aware of the associated harms. Also, around 11% of Lebanese adults have experienced alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study aimed to assess the association between alexithymia, emotional intelligence, smoking (cigarette and waterpipe), and AUD among a sample of Lebanese adults. A web-based cross-sectional study carried out between February and April 2020, during the lockdown period, enrolled 408 community-dwelling adults. The survey link was shared on social media to reach participants from all Lebanese districts/governorates. Taking antidepressants (Beta = 4.37) was significantly associated with more cigarette dependence, while female gender (Beta = -1.52) and having a high vs. low monthly income (Beta = 1.02) were significantly associated with less cigarette dependence. None of the variables, including alexithymia, were significantly associated with waterpipe dependence. Female gender (Beta = -0.15) and higher emotional intelligence (Beta = -0.003) were significantly associated with less AUD, whereas higher alexithymia (Beta = 0.003) was significantly associated with more AUD. This study could demonstrate a significant association between alexithymia and cigarette smoking and alexithymia and alcohol consumption. Future research is warranted to investigate the mediating effect of emotional intelligence and how these results may be used to meet the needs of alexithymic individuals with addictions.

Assessment of prevalence, predictors, reasons and regulations of substance smoking among children in Ghana

BackgroundIn Ghana, it is against the law for children to smoke. Nevertheless, a portion of children in the country do smoke. However, there is a paucity of research on young smokers in Ghana and other sub-Saharan African nations. This study, therefore, investigated the prevalence of smoking, the kinds of substances children smoke, predictors of smoking, reasons for and factors that lead children to smoke, and regulation of smoking among children in Ghana.MethodsIn total, 5024 children aged 8–17 were studied using a cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed method. Descriptive statistics, Person’s Chi-square test, Fisher Exact test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the quantitative data. In contrast, thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data.ResultsThe results showed that 3.2% of children had ever smoked. Male children smoked more often than female children. The prevalence of cigarette, marijuana, and shisha smoking was 78.3%, 18%, and 3.7%, respectively. While more male children than female children smoked cigarettes and marijuana, more female children than male children used shisha. Children mainly smoked for fun and due to group culture. In addition, children were influenced by friends; parents, family members, and neighbours who smoke; curiosity; and advertisements and videos to initiate smoking. Despite the availability of regulations and laws regulating tobacco products in public places, tobacco advertisement, promotion, and sale to persons under 18, children are still smoking.ConclusionsChildren who have ever engaged in smoking reported using cigarettes, marijuana, and shisha. Policymakers urgently need to strategise and strengthen their policies, programmes, and interventions to address smoking among children.

State-Specific Prevalence of Adult Tobacco Product Use and Cigarette Smoking Cessation Behaviors, United States, 2018-2019.

Increasing quitting among people who smoke cigarettes is the quickest approach to reducing tobacco-related disease and death. We analyzed data from the 2018-2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey for 137,471 adult self-respondents from all 50 US states and the District of Columbia to estimate state-specific prevalence of current tobacco product use, interest in quitting smoking, past-year quit attempts, recent successful cessation (past-year quit lasting ≥6 months), receipt of advice to quit smoking from a medical doctor, and use of cessation medications and/or counseling to quit. Prevalence of current any-tobacco use (use every day or some days) ranged from 10.2% in California to 29.0% in West Virginia. The percentage of adults who currently smoked cigarettes and were interested in quitting ranged from 68.2% in Alabama to 87.5% in Connecticut; made a past-year quit attempt ranged from 44.1% in Tennessee to 62.8% in Rhode Island; reported recent successful cessation ranged from 4.6% in West Virginia and Wisconsin to 10.8% in South Dakota; received advice to quit from a medical doctor ranged from 63.3% in Colorado to 86.9% in Rhode Island; and used medications and/or counseling to quit ranged from 25.5% in Nevada to 50.1% in Massachusetts. Several states with the highest cigarette smoking prevalence reported the lowest prevalence of interest in quitting, quit attempts, receipt of advice to quit, and use of counseling and/or medication, and the highest prevalence of e-cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and cigar use. Adults who smoke struggle with smoking cessation and could benefit from additional intervention.

Declines in cigarette smoking among US adolescents and young adults: indications of independence from e-cigarette vaping surge

ObjectiveTo compare trends in cigarette smoking and nicotine vaping among US population aged 17–18 years and 18–24 years.MethodsRegression analyses identified trends in ever and current use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes,...

Prevalence of Current Cigarette Smoking by Sociodemographic Characteristics in U.S. Cancer Survivors

Background Cancer survivors are especially vulnerable to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoking, but there lacks a study comprehensively examining the sociodemographic disparities in current smoking prevalence in this population. In this study, we quantified the current cigarette smoking prevalence in cancer survivors and those without cancer history by sociodemographic factors, to identify subpopulations with high current smoking burden. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 3,679 cancer survivors and 27,350 participants without cancer history who were 18 years of age or above in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. Data for the study variables were obtained from computer-assisted personal or telephone interviews. Weighted Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results Although the current smoking prevalence for cancer survivors was slightly lower than for those without cancer history, the prevalence exceeded 30% in cancer survivors in poverty or without health insurance. Individuals with significantly higher current smoking prevalence had lower education levels, were unmarried, did not have health insurance, or lived in poverty. The associations of age, sex, race, health insurance status, and poverty status with current smoking significantly differed between cancer survivors and those without cancer history. Sociodemographic disparities in current smoking prevalence were found in survivors of either smoking-related or nonsmoking-related cancers. Conclusion High current smoking prevalence still exists in subpopulations of cancer survivors and those without cancer history. Our findings may strengthen efforts to reduce sociodemographic disparities in current smoking prevalence and to lower the overall smoking prevalence.

Associations of Sexual Orientation-Related Minority and Military Stressors With Past-Year Cigarette Use Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Veterans.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals and Veterans are more likely to report current smoking than the general adult population in the United States. The Minority Stress Model may explain the high prevalence of cigarette smoking among LGB individuals, who experience unique interpersonal (e.g., discrimination) and intrapersonal (e.g., identity concealment) stressors related to their minoritized sexual orientation. This study assessed whether three types of stressors (interpersonal, intrapersonal, and LGB-specific military) were associated with past-year smoking among LGB Veterans. Veterans were recruited online for a prospective cohort study. We conducted secondary data analysis of baseline surveys collected from 2019 to 2020. The study sample included cisgender, LGB Veterans (n = 463). Adjusted nested multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of each stressor with past-year cigarette smoking. Participants were mostly male (54.0%), non-Hispanic white (82.1%), and at least a college graduate (58.5%). LGB Veterans who were younger, had lower levels of education, income, and healthcare coverage, higher general stressors, and post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms were more likely to smoke in the past year (n = 98, 21.2%). The adjusted odds of past-year smoking were higher among those who reported higher levels of harassment (aOR = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.26), victimization (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.43), and family rejection (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.36). Multiple interpersonal stressors were associated with past-year smoking, highlighting the need to intervene on these stressors. Future interventions should aim to address policies that reduce prejudice against LGB Veterans, while helping those who smoke identify and develop positive coping skills that support cessation. Our findings contribute to the growing body of literature on tobacco use disparities among LGB individuals, particularly LGB Veterans. Results of this analysis provide some evidence for the Minority Stress Model as a conceptual model for understanding and intervening in disparities in smoking prevalence among LGB Veterans.

Study on prevalence of cigarette smoking among a sample of students of technical institute of Babylon

Objective: To determine the prevalence of smoking among students, and to identify the reasons for smoking.Method: The cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted from April 1 to May 9, 2019, at theTechnical Institute, Al-Furat University, Babylon, Iraq, and comprised students of either gender who were selectedrandomly. Data was collected through structured interviews using a questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 24.Results: Of the 147 subjects, 115(78.2%) were males and 32(21.8%) females. The largest age group was 19-28 years125(85%), and 115(78.2%) hailed from rural areas. There were 78(53%) smokers; 73(63.5%) from among males and5(15.6%) from among females. The most cited reason for smoking was feeling of enjoyment 40%. Smoking wassignificantly associated with age, gender as well as level and type of education (p&lt;0.05). The association of friendsand family with the smoking habit was significant (p&lt;0.05). Among the smokers, 72(92.3%) were aware of the harmfuleffects of the habit (p&lt;0.05).Conclusion: Cigarette smoking was found to be widespread among the students.Keywords: Smoking, Family, Tobacco, Habits, Masculinity, Students, Smokers.

Dramatic Reductions in Cigarette Smoking Prevalence among High School Youth from 1991 to 2022 Unlikely to Have Been Undermined by E-Cigarettes.

There is concern that youth e-cigarette use could lead youth to initiate cigarette smoking. This study identifies epochs of cigarette smoking among U.S. high school students in three commonly utilized national school-based surveys over three decades without a priori assumptions. We examined trends in ever and current cigarette smoking among high school youth from 1991 to 2022 in three datasets: Monitoring the Future (MTF), the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (NYRBS) and the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) via Joinpoint regression. High stable rates of ever smoking were noted from 1991 to 1999 (NYRBS and MTF) and then significantly declined from 1999 to 2013; declines accelerated through to 2022. In the NYTS, ever cigarette smoking significantly declined from 1999 to 2018 and then declines accelerated to 2022. Current cigarette smoking reached its peak in 1997, and then significantly declined from 1997 to 2013 in the NYRBS and MTF and similarly in the NYTS from 1999 to 2018. Declines in current smoking then accelerated in all surveys through to 2022. These findings suggest dramatic successes in reducing youth smoking since the late 1990s, with more rapid declines in prevalence in the past decade.

Prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking and associated cancer incidence among adults in the Middle East.

Smoking is an important risk factor for various diseases, especially cancer. To estimate the prevalence of cigarette and waterpipe smoking and its association with cancer incidence in Middle Eastern countries. We searched Medline, Google Scholar, and PubMed for original articles published between 2000 and 2020 using a combination of the terms smoking, cigarettes, waterpipe, hookah, tobacco, prevalence, Middle East, and the names of countries in the Middle East. Data were analysed using STATA version 14. We performed a random-effect meta-analysis to obtain pooled smoking prevalence estimates with 95% CI and used the I² statistic to assess heterogeneity between studies. We conducted subgroup analyses by sex, country, residence, and age to explore the sources of heterogeneity, and used visual examination of the funnel plot and Egger's test to identify publication bias. We included 90 articles in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of current cigarette and waterpipe smoking in Middle East countries was 17.41% and 6.92%, respectively. The prevalence of current cigarette and waterpipe smoking among men was significantly higher than among women. In the past decade, the prevalence of cigarette smoking decreased by 7.21% but the prevalence of waterpipe smoking increased by 7.80%. The highest population attributable risk was shown for oesophageal (35.0%), lung (30.50%), and gastric (8.20%) cancers. Cigarette smoking is still a public health problem especially among adult men in the Middle East. About 30% of oesophageal and lung cancers in this region were attributed to cigarette smoking. The increasing trend in waterpipe smoking during the last decade is of concern. Prevention programmes are needed as a top priority for health interventions.

Reaching adults who smoke cigarettes in rural Appalachia: Rationale, design & analysis plan for a mixed-methods study disseminating pharmacy-delivered cessation treatment

IntroductionUnlike other U.S. geographical regions, cigarette smoking prevalence remains stagnant in rural Appalachia. One avenue for reaching rural residents with evidence-based smoking cessation treatments could be utilizing community pharmacists. This paper describes the design, rationale, and analysis plan for a mixed-method study that will determine combinations of cessation treatment components that can be integrated within community pharmacies in rural Appalachia. The aim is to quantify the individual and synergistic effects of five highly disseminable and sustainable cessation components in a factorial experiment. MethodsThis sequential, mixed-method research design, based on the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework, will use a randomized controlled trial with a 25 fully crossed factorial design (32 treatment combinations) to test, alone and in combination, the most effective evidence-based cessation components: (1) QuitAid (yes vs. no) (2) tobacco quit line (yes vs. no) (3) SmokefreeTXT (yes vs. no) (4) combination NRT lozenge + NRT patch (vs. NRT patch alone), and (5) eight weeks of NRT (vs. standard four weeks). ResultsLogistic regression will model abstinence at six-months, including indicators for the five treatment factors and all two-way interactions between the treatment factors. Demographic and smoking history variables will be considered to assess potential effect modification. Poisson regression will model quit attempts and percent of adherence to treatment components as secondary outcomes. ConclusionThis study will provide foundational evidence on how community pharmacies in medically underserved, rural regions can be leveraged to increase utilization of existing evidence-based tobacco cessation resources for treating tobacco dependence.Clinical Trials:NCT05660525

National and Provincial Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking in Iran; A Systematic Analysis of 12 Years of STEPS Experience.

Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for six of the eight leading causes of death. Despite the great burden, there is lack of data regarding the trend of cigarette smoking in Iran. We described the national and provincial prevalence of cigarette smoking and its 12-year time trend utilizing six rounds of Iranian stepwise approach for surveillance of non-communicable disease (STEPS) surveys. We gathered data from six STEPS surveys done in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2016 in Iran. To estimate the data of missing years, we used two separate statistical models including the mixed model and spatio-temporal analysis. The overall prevalence rate of cigarette smoking was 14.65% (12.81‒16.59) in 2005 and 10.63% (9.00‒12.57) in 2016 in Iran. The prevalence of cigarette smoking in 2005 and 2016 was 25.15% (23.18‒27.11) and 19.95% (17.93%‒21.97%) for men and 4.13% (2.43‒6.05) and 1.31% (0.06-3.18) for women, respectively. The prevalence of smoking in different provinces of Iran ranged from 20.73% (19.09‒22.47) to 9.67% (8.24‒11.34) in 2005 and from 15.34% (13.68‒17.12) to 6.41% (5.31‒7.94) in 2016. The overall trend of smoking was downward, which was true for both sexes and all 31 provinces. The declining annual percent change (APC) of the prevalence trend was -2.87% in total population, -9.91% in women, and -2.08% in men from 2005 to 2016. Although the prevalence of smoking had a decreasing trend in Iran, this trend showed disparities among sexes and provinces and this epidemiological data can be used to modify smoking prevention programs.

Association between long working hours and cigarette smoking, leisure-time physical activity, and risky alcohol use: Findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2021)

BackgroundLong working hours cause adverse health outcomes; however, the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unknown. We examined the association between long working hours and health behaviors, as well as gender differences in this association. MethodsA nationally representative sample of 26,385 Korean workers was analyzed. The exposure variable was self-reported weekly working hours. The outcomes examined were cigarette smoking, high-level physical activity (defined as engaging in ≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time physical activity), and risky alcohol use (defined as consuming seven glasses for men or five glasses for women of alcohol in a single sitting, twice or more per week). Logistic regression models were utilized, and gender differences were examined by incorporating interaction terms into the regression models. ResultsAmong 26,385 workers, 4,109 (16%) worked ≥55 h/week. The prevalence of cigarette smoking, high-level physical activity, and risky alcohol use was 19%, 18%, and 14%, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of the association between working ≥55 h/week and outcomes was 1.26 (1.12–1.43) for cigarette smoking, 0.73 (0.65–0.83) for high-level physical activity, and 0.95 (0.83–1.08) for risky alcohol use compared to working 35–40 h/week. A moderating effect of gender on the association between long working hours and risky alcohol use was observed. The OR (95% CI) of the association between working ≥55 h/week was 0.88 (0.76–1.02) in men and 1.51 (1.12–2.05) in women. ConclusionOur findings emphasize the need for policy interventions aimed at reducing excessive working hours and fostering healthy lifestyle behaviors among individuals engaged in long working hours.

Workplace health promotion programs among health workers: a systematic literature review

Objective: To identify the effect of workplace health promotion activities (WHPA) on the health status of health personnel. Methodology: A systematic literature review was performed. Six computerized databases were used to search for studies on the effect of at least one health promotion activity on the health status of health personnel. Studies were included if they were published in peer-reviewed and indexed journals and were written either in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Information such as study population, sample size, type of study, outcome, and health promotion activities performed were extracted from each publication. All the included articles were measured in terms of their methodological quality, including the risk of bias. Results: Lower scores on perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, and mood symptoms were reported. An improvement in sleep hours and quality and a reduction in dietary sodium intake were informed. Improvements in participants’ dietary habits, weight loss, and body fat percentage, along with increased physical activity and a reduction in pain levels were reported. A reduction in the prevalence of cigarette smoking was found. Conclusions: WHPAs can enhance physical and mental health, and overall well-being, and encouraging healthier behaviors among health personnel. Most of the studies targeting mental health focused their efforts primarily on reducing healthcare workers’ perceived stress. WHPAs that addressed both diet and physical activity behaviors were more effective at improving weight outcomes than those that used only one approximation. Overall, this study offers valuable information on the impact of worksite-based health promotion interventions, including the effect of different strategies applied

Nationwide prevalence and trends in cigarette smoking among adult men with and without disabilities in South Korea between 2009 and 2017

ObjectivesCurrent smoking rates for people with and without disabilities vary among countries. This study analyzed smoking behavior over 9 years in adult South Korean men with disabilities, according to disability severity and type, and in those without disabilities. Study designThis was a cross-sectional study. MethodsThis analysis was conducted using national disability registration data and national general health checkup data for 2009–2017. Age-standardized smoking behaviors were analyzed for each year according to the presence, severity, and type of disability. The odds of current smoking were determined by multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. ResultsThe age-standardized smoking rate and average number of cigarettes for men with mild disabilities in the younger age group were 1.16 (43.0 vs 36.8%) and 1.05 (16.1 vs 15.3 cigarettes) times higher than in non-disabled men as of 2017. The highest smoking rate was observed in men with physical disabilities in the younger age. In the older age group, the highest smoking rate was that of men with intellectual or psychological disabilities. ConclusionSmoking behaviors remained poorest in men with disabilities, especially those with mild, physical, and intellectual/psychological disabilities. Public health policies should focus on people with disabilities to promote health, prevent secondary conditions, and reduce health disparities by implementing antismoking health policies.