Prevalence and Factors Associated with Tobacco Smoking in a National Representative Sample of Zambian Adults: Data from the 2017 STEPS – NCDs Survey

Abstract

Background: There has been a reduction in tobacco smoking worldwide except in developing countries. Africa has the lowest prevalence of tobacco use in the world, however, the rising trends amidst the WHO FCTC implementation are worrisome as it is likely to increase the tobacco public health impact in the next decade. The study investigated factors associated with tobacco smoking among adults in Zambia. Methods: We used secondary data extracted from the 2017 STEPS -NCDs Survey. Logistic regression was used to obtain unadjusted (UOR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of the 4,301 adults who participated, 11.0% were current tobacco smokers (25.7% men and 2.27% women). Of these 75.6% and 11.9% drunk alcohol and had mental health problems, respectively. In multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with increased odds of current tobacco smoking were older age groups of 45-59 years (