Prevalence and factors associated with tobacco use among adults attending selected healthcare facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

  • E O Owolabi University of Fort Hare
  • D T Goon University of Fort Hare
  • O V Adeniyi Walter Sisulu University
  • E Seekoe University of Fort Hare
  • A O Adedokun University of Fort Hare
Keywords: adults, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, prevalence, smoking, tobacco use

Abstract

Aim: Tobacco use increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, premature death and certain cancers. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among adults in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), South Africa. Methods: This study forms part of the cardio-metabolic risk survey carried out at the three largest outpatient clinics in BCMM. This multi-centre cross-sectional survey utilised the relevant items of the WHO STEPwise questionnaire to obtain information on demographic and behavioural characteristics of 1 107 participants. A total of 109 participants were excluded as a result of incomplete data. Thus, 998 participants (male = 327; female = 671) were included in the analysis. Self-reported, current use of any tobacco product was defined as tobacco use while secondary smoking was defined as exposure of non-smokers to environmental tobacco smoke, either at home or in the workplace. Results: Of all the study participants, 150 (15%) were current tobacco users and 335 (39.5%) of the non-smoking participants were exposed to secondary smoking. The majority of the tobacco users were males (70.7%) compared with females (29.3%). The commonest form of tobacco use was the manufactured cigarette. The mean age at initiation of smoking was 18.3 ± 5.1 and 22.6 ± 8.0 years for men and women, respectively. Only male sex (p = 0.000), single status (p = 0.003), no formal education (p = 0.007) and self-employment (p = 0.043) were significantly associated with tobacco use. Conclusion: High prevalence of tobacco use, especially cigarette smoking, in BCMM is worrisome given its strong association with cardiovascular events and cancers. The district health authorities should prioritise smoking cessation measures at the primary health care level. (Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2017.1340251

Author Biographies

E O Owolabi, University of Fort Hare
Department of Nursing Science Faculty of Health Sciences University of Fort Hare East London
D T Goon, University of Fort Hare
Department of Nursing Science Faculty of Health Sciences University of Fort Hare East London
O V Adeniyi, Walter Sisulu University
Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Family Medicine Walter Sisulu University and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital East London Hospital complex East London
E Seekoe, University of Fort Hare
Department of Nursing Science Faculty of Health Sciences University of Fort Hare East London
A O Adedokun, University of Fort Hare
Department of Nursing Science Faculty of Health Sciences University of Fort Hare East London
Issue
Vol 59 No 6: November/December 2017
Section
Research Articles
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