Smoker characteristics and trends in tobacco smoking in Rakai, Uganda, 2010–2018
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tobacco Induced Diseases
Abstract
Tobacco use is a major public health concern, particularly in
low- and middle-income countries where 80% of the world’s smokers reside.
There is limited population-based data from rural Africa on patterns of
tobacco smoking and smoker characteristics. We assessed trends in rates
of smoking, characteristics of smokers, and factors associated with smoking
using repeat population-based cross-sectional surveys in south-central
Uganda.
METHODS Data accrued over five survey rounds (2010–2018) of the Rakai
Community Cohort Study (RCCS) from consenting individuals aged 15–
49 years including sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and
smoking status. Proportions of smokers per survey were compared using
χ2 test for trends, and factors associated with smoking were assessed by
multivariable logistic regression.
RESULTS The prevalence of tobacco smoking in the general population declined
from 7.3% in 2010–2011 to 5.1% in 2016–2018, p<0.001. Smoking rates
declined among males (13.9–9.2%) and females (2.2–1.8%) from 2010–
2011 to 2016–2018. Smoking prevalence was higher among previously
married (11.8–11.7%) compared to currently (8.4–5.3%) and never married
persons (3.1–1.8%) from 2010–2011 to 2016–2018. Older age (≥35 years)
was associated with higher odds of smoking (AOR=8.72; 95% CI: 5.68–
13.39 in 2010–2011 and AOR=9.03; 95% CI: 5.42–15.06 in 2016–2018)
compared to those aged <35 years (AOR=4.73; 95% CI: 3.15–7.12 in
2010–2011 and AOR=4.83; 95% CI: 2.95–7.91 in 2016–2018). Primary
and secondary/higher education level was significantly associated with
lower odds of smoking (AOR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.14–0.29 in 2010–2011 and
AOR=0.26; 95% CI: 0.18–0.39 in 2016–2018) compared to no education
(AOR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.31–0.59 in 2010–2011 and AOR=0.48; 95% CI:
0.34–0.68 in 2016–2018). Number of sexual partners and HIV status were
not associated with smoking.
CONCLUSIONS We observed declining trends in tobacco smoking in the
Rakai region of rural Uganda. Smoking was more prevalent in men, older
individuals, individuals who were previously married, and individuals with
lower education. The decline in smoking may be due to tobacco control
efforts, but there is a continued need to target sub-populations with higher
smoking prevalence.
Description
Keywords
Tobacco, Smoking, Prevalence, Uganda, Rakai
Citation
Nalugoda, F., Nabukalu, D., Ssekasanvu, J., Ssekubugu, R., Hoe, C., Kagaayi, J., ... & Chang, L. W. (2022). Smoker characteristics and trends in tobacco smoking in Rakai, Uganda, 2010–2018. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 20(February), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.18332/tid/144623