Effect of socioeconomic status on smoking cessation behavior in selected African countries: Secondary analysis of Global Adult Tobacco Survey data (2014–2018)

Abstract

Introduction Tobacco use remains a global public health challenge. While studies report that smoking cessation reduces the risk of cancer and other NCDs, evidence is scarce in African region on socio-economic determinants of smoking cessation behavior. This study examined the socio-economic differentials of smoking cessation behavior among smokers in four African countries. Methods The study was conducted through secondary analysis of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) data from four African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal and Tanzania). Smoking cessation behavior was assessed using two variables i) intention to quit smoking in next 12 months and ii) previous quit attempts made within 12 months preceding the survey. The weighted percentages for intention to quit smoking and previous quit attempts were computed. The adjusted odds ratios were computed using multinomial logistic regression to identify the association between socio-economic factors and smoking cessation behavior. Results Across the four countries studied, the previous quit attempts among smokers were in the range of 39.6% to 53.7%. Around 7.6% to 15.8% of the smokers tried to quit with an assistance. In Ethiopia over 76.5% of current smokers reported no intention to quit in next 12 months after survey, whereas the same was 50.4% in Senegal. While country specific differences were observed, females, those belonging to the poorest wealth index, unemployed and those without any formal education reported significantly lower odds of previous quit attempts or having an intention to quit smoking. Conclusion The socio-economic vulnerabilities were found to compromise smoking cessation behavior among the smokers in countries studied. Targeted interventions, adherence to smokefree laws, and provision of cessation support are essential to improve quit rates and mitigate tobacco risks among socio-economically vulnerable population.