A Cross-Sectional Survey of the Prevalence and the Risk Factors of Tobacco Use Amongst Construction Artisans in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Construction artisans are those who perform skilled work relating to the erection or assembly of a large structure. These artisans are prone to tobacco use. This study aims to assess the prevalence and the associated risk factors of tobacco use amongst construction artisans in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a multi-stage sampling technique to select participants (carpenters and bricklayers) artisans, journeymen, and their apprentices who were working in Ekiti State. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to test for association in bivariate and multivariate analyses respectively. Results: The prevalence of ever-smoke amongst respondents was 19.3%. Multivariate analysis showed that artisans who were within the age range 31-40 years were four times more likely to use tobacco (OR=3.410; CI=1.476-7.878). Similarly, being in school and divorced/separated were associated with tobacco use. Conclusion: Noting the increased prevalence of tobacco use among construction artisans when compared to the general population, and few self-reported cases of addiction amongst users demands action from communities and government at all levels. Keywords Construction artisans, tobacco use, Nigeria