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

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Nov 26;16(23):4719. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16234719.

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: Smoking; The Gambia; Tobacco use; WHO STEP survey.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Gambia / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Rural Population
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Tobacco Smoking / epidemiology*
  • World Health Organization