Epidemiological study of cigarette smoking among over 15 years old population of Hormozgan in 2014

Smoking is a major cause of preventable death in the world. Out of every 10 deaths worldwide occur in adults, one is caused by smoking. This study examines the epidemiology of cigaratte smoking in the population over 15 years old in Hormozgan province, Iran, 2014.
A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate 1506 subjects over 15 years old who were selected through a multi stage cluster and systematic random sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher made questionnaire that its validity and reliability was determined before being sent to subjects. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics such as frequency, percentage, Chi-square and odds ratio.
The overall prevalence of current cigarette smoking in total sample was 19.5%, in males 27.8% and in females 10.7%. In terms of gender, the difference in cigarette smoking was statistically significant (p= 0.001). Prevalence of cigarette smoking in rural and urban areas was significantly different (p= 0.002), as it was 24.1% in rural and 17.6% in urban areas. There was a significant difference between prevalence of cigarette smoking in age groups (p = 0.015). This rate increased with age. Educational level was significantly associated with the prevalence of cigarette smoking (p=0.001). Illiterate and people with lower education were smoking more than others (75.5%). There were significant relationship between different occupations and smoking (p = 0.001). A statistical association between smoking and the living location was seen (p = 0.002) with odds ratio equal to 0.6 and 95% confidence interval equal to 0.5-0.8. (OR=0.6; 95% CI=0.5-0.8) There was a relationship between gender and smoking, (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.4-4.3). The males had three times more chance to become smoker.
The prevalence of cigarette smoking in Hormozgan province is high, particularly in the rural population. A need for policy making and planning towards prevention and reduction of smoking in the province is seen. However, further studies to determine the most appropriate and effective strategies to deal with this issue seems necessary.