Epidemiologic study of Smoking among population of 15 to 64 years old in Kurdistan province (2005)

Smoking of tobacco products is one of the major risk factors of non-communicable diseases that increases the disease burden in all over the world. Smoking causes 4 million deaths annually and now prevalence of the smoking is increasing in the contemporary generations especially in young people. The aim of this study was to perform an epidemiologic survey on cigarette smoking in people between 15-64 years of age in Kurdistan province. This study was a part of an extended study in 2005 under the title of "Non Communicable Diseases Risk Factors Surveillance System in Islamic Republic of Iran" based on WHO's suggestions. This was a cross-sectional study that performed by using a designed questionnaire. Sampling method was quota-clustering. The final sample size, after the screening of the data and omission of tampered-with files was 2468 out of 2500 records. Among the 2468 people, 49.6% (1225 people) were men. 65% were (1602 people) uneducated & 61.6% were from urban areas. As a result, 77.6% were non-smoker, 16.4% active smoker, 1.1% inactive smoker (occasional smoker) & 4.9% was ex-smoker (former smoker).The prevalence rate of smoking was higher in 25-64 years old group (p<0.000) than that of younger age subjects. There was an increase in ex-smokers by increasing age (p<0.000), especially in women (p<0.000). There was a significant difference in smoking prevalence between men and women (p<0.000). There was no difference in smoking prevalence between urban and rural areas (p>0.05). The mean number of cigarettes smoked was 14.34/day. There was a significant difference between the prevalence rates of smoking in people with higher educational levels and those with lower levels of education (p<0.000). This study performed in all over the country and provides a baseline for future longitudinal studies on smoking in Kurdistan province and identifies demographic groups at risk of tobacco-related disease. Planning of effective smoking prevention programs for young people and also smoking cessation programs are recommended in Kurdistan province.