Mapping of Cigarette Smoking in Iran by Using Geographic Information System

Background This study aimed to assess the geographical distribution of smoking which is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disorders in Iran. In this regard, mapping of cigarette smoking was designed and implemented using Geographic Information System.
Materials & Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Initially, the national data from risk factors for non-communicable diseases screening program were collected from the Iranian Non-communicable Disease Control Center. Then, the incidence of cigarette smoking in each province was calculated. These data have been prepared by the Health Ministry. In the next step, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Then, these data were arranged in a geo-referenced database in the ArcGIS software. The map of distribution of cigarette smoking was drawn by ArcGIS version 9.3.
Results The incidence of cigarette smoking in Iran has been estimated as 10.82%. More than 20% of Iranian men currently smoke tobacco on a daily basis and this percentage among Iranian women is 1.02%. The average start age of smoking is at the age of 20.13 years. The average smoking years was 13.82 years. Cigarette smoking in many provinces, such as Tehran, West Azerbaijan, Ardebil, as well as Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, were higher than the national average.
Conclusion People in the provinces of Tehran, West Azerbaijan, Ardebil, as well as Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, are more exposed to the danger of cigarette smoking than the people in the other provinces.