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Reporting the current tobacco smoking situation in the rural population of Quingeo, Ecuador

Abstract:

Introduction: Tobacco use has expanded worldwide and is a major modifiable risk factor for chronic noncommunicable diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological behavior of smoking and associated factors in the rural population of Quingeo, Ecuador. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, analytical field study was carried out in which 530 individuals of both sexes over 18 years of age were selected from the rural population of Quingeo through a multi-stage random sampling. A complete medical history and physical examination were applied. Smoking was classified as: non-smokers; current smokers and former smokers. A logistic regression model was constructed to estimate Odds Ratio (95% CI) for factors associated with being a current smoker. Results: 12.8% (n=68) were current smokers, 7.9% (n=42) former smokers and 79.3% (n=420) did not smoke. A statistically significant association was found between smoking status and labor status (χ2=18.472, p<0.001), socioeconomic status (χ2=16,138, p<0.003) and educational status (χ2=24,539, p<0.001), where employees and with a secondary and higher education presented the highest prevalence of current smokers, while the lower class presented the lowest prevalence of current smokers. The main risk factors for smoking were male (OR=10.33, 95% CI: 4.69-22.77, p<0.001), alcohol consumption (OR=4.51, 95%CI: 2.10-9.67, p<0.001), and high abdominal circumference (OR= 2.35, 95% CI: 1.05-5.23, p= 0.036). Conclusions: We report a low prevalence of current smokers in the rural population of Quingeo. Factors associated with being a smoker were male gender, work status, educational level, socioeconomic status, alcohol consumption and abdominal obesity. Anti-smoking campaigns should be maintained by promoting a healthy lifestyle, with an emphasis on alcohol users and obese people.