Characteristics of Menopausal Women Smokers in Southern Iran: A Cross-sectional Survey of Bandar-Kong Cohort

The present research aimed to explore the relationship between tobacco consumption and menopause characteristics in women in southern Iran.

The current cross-sectional study used the basic data of Bandar Kong Cohort in southern Iran. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on these 867 postmenopausal women in 2016. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire based on a review of the related literature, actual experiences, and the existing instruments utilized in cohort studies in Iran and foreign countries. The chi-square test, independent samples t test, and logistic regression analysis were employed for analyses in SPSS.

Overall, 867 postmenopausal women were included in the study. Their average age was 57.42 ± 6.34 years. Menopause-smoker women had a lower level of education and body mass index (BMI), and the difference was statistically significant. In the present study, the widows, divorcees, and others used at least one tobacco product such as cigarettes, waterpipe, opium, or alcohol to a greater extent than the married. There was a significant difference between the economic status of postmenopausal women and their tobacco consumption.

The findings of the present study demonstrated no significant relationship between tobacco and menopause. However, there was a significant relationship between the level of education and BMI and smoking in postmenopausal women. Considering the increase in life expectancy in women and the aging of the population in recent years, the number of postmenopausal women has increased in society. Thus, it is necessary to hold training for lifestyle modification for menopausal women.