A Survey of Smoking Prevalence and Behavior among the Population Living in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province

Abstract

Background and  Objectives: Smoking  and Passive smoking  are major risk factor of health problem and premature death.  Data about smoking in Nong Bua Lam Phu province are out-dated. This study aimed to obtain the prevalence of smoking and  Passive smoking , as well as smoking behavior in Nong Bua Lam Phu Province.

Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study was conducted. The study population was population aged 18 years and higher living in Nong Bua Lam Phu during Jan-Feb 2014. Data were collected from 429 samples using interview and then were analyzed using descriptive statistics as frequency, percentage, median and interquartile range.

Results:  response rate was 94.6% (406/429).  The prevalence of smoker  in was 46.1% (95%CI; 41.1 – 51.0). The prevalence of smoker  among male and female were 64.1% and 5.6% respectively.  The prevalence of secondhand smoking was 74.4% (95% CI;  69.8 – 78.5). Among these, 68.8% were exposed to both at home and other places.   The median age of first smoking was 16.0 years (Inter-quartile range 5.0). Most of them smoke every day (87.7%) and more than half consumed self-rolled cigarette (51.9%).  The median number of cigarettes smoking per day  was 10.0 (Inter-quartile range 9.0).  Most of them smoke in household area but outside the house (71.1%). 

Conclusions: Prevalence of smoking and Passive smoking  in Nong Bua Lam Phu  were  46.1% and 74.4% respectively. Most of the smokers smoke every day and  majority smoke outside the house.