Prevalence and Predictors of Smoking among Gambian Men: A Cross-Sectional National WHO STEP Survey

Bai Cham, Shaun Scholes, Nora E. Groce and Jennifer S. Mindell
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Bai Cham: Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Atlantic Road, Fajara, Banjul 273, The Gambia
Shaun Scholes: Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Nora E. Groce: Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Jennifer S. Mindell: Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-12

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.

Keywords: tobacco use; smoking; The Gambia; WHO STEP survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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