Farshi S, Sedaghat M, Meysamie A, Abdollahi E,
Volume 65, Issue 14 (Vol 65, Supplement 2 2008)
Abstract
Background: a number of factors such as socio-demographic and socioeconomic status have
emerged as being associated with smoking. The main goal of the present study was to
identify the relationship of socio-demographic factors and cigarette smoking, and to
determine the indicators of smoking status in a community based case-control study.
Methods: Using the random multistage cluster sampling method on the basis of family list
kept in the health center, a head cluster was selected, and 25 clusters of 10 members each
were chosen. One member was selected from each family to fill the questionnaire. The
neighborhood method was used for selection of controls. The socio-demographic
characteristics was assessed by a self administered questionnaire. Data analysis was
performed using SPSS V-11.5 software. Logistic regression was used to assess the association
of age, sex, marital status, family size, number of close friends, number of smoking friends,
and presence of smokers in the family with smoking status.
Results: The mean smoking consumption of smokers in this study was 14.6 per day. The
mean age of smoking initiation was 18.6 years. Fifty percent of people initiated smoking at
ages less than 18. The mean years of education were significantly higher in nonsmokers. A
significant inverse relationship exists between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and
educational levels. The positive association between number of cigarette smoked per day and
age was found (OR=1.2, CI 95% 1.07-1.4). Number of smoking friends in smokers were
significantly more than in nonsmokers. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, and number
of smoking friends, could be predictors of smoking status. The association between sex,
marital status, family size, and education with smoking status were not significant.
Conclusions: This study revealed the association between several socio-demographic factors
with smoking status. Antismoking strategies for adults tend to emphasize smoking cessation,
preventing smoking initiation is also important during young adulthood. Anyway,
educational interventions are highly suggested.
