Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking and Associated Factors Among Adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia, 2020

Abstract

Background

Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality globally, and it is accountable for many causes of premature deaths. Despite the negative consequences of cigarette smoking, studies to identify factors associated with cigarette smoking are scanty and little is known about this practice in the Somali region so far, so this study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking and associated factors among adolescents in the Gode, eastern Ethiopia 2020.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 341 adolescents in the Godey administration of the Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia from July to August 2020. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered with Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 software for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify the true effect of predictor variables on the outcome variable after controlling for possible confounders. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.

Results

Over all, the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among adolescents was found to be 21.1% (95% CI: (16.7−25.5). Having smoker parents [AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: (1.32–5.02)], whose friends smoke cigarette [AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: (2.12–10.76)], and currently chewing khat [AOR = 6.01, 95% CI: (2.96–12.23)] were significantly associated predictors of current cigarette smoking in the final model of multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of cigarette smoking was relatively high in this study area. This study reported having smokers’ parents, having smokers’ friends and chewing khat were found to be independent predictors for cigarette smoking. Therefore, effective smoking prevention and intervention programs are required in this area.

Keywords:

• adolescent
• tobacco
• cigarettes
• khat
• smoking
• substances

Abbreviations

AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; WHO, World Health Organization; IHRERC, Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used for analysis are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee (IHRERC) of the College of Medicine and Sciences, Jigjiga University. Support letters were written to all Gode town administration where the study was actually conducted. The informed, voluntary, written and signed consent was obtained from each study participant. In addition, informed, voluntary, written and signed assent was also obtained from the guardians and parents adolescents aged less than 18 years. Study participants were clearly informed about their right to withdraw/refuse at any stage of the study if they did not want to participate and confidentiality of the information was assured. The data collectors interviewed the participants in separated areas. Confidentiality of information and the privacy of participants were respected. This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee coordinating office of Jigjiga University College of Medicine and Health Science and Gode city administration.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for this study.