Abstract:
Background: Parental smoking has a key influence in predicting whether children and young
people will start and continue to smoke. Therefore, to improve planning and implementation
of effective tobacco control measures, there is limited data on the smoking habits of parents
in developing countries. The aim of the study was assessment of prevalence of cigarette
smoking and associated factors among parents in Misrak Bedawacho Woreda, SNNPR.
Method and Materials: A community based Cross sectional study was conducted from
March 15 to April 15, 2016. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select 640study
participants. Data was collected using a pretested structured interviewer administered
questionnaire. The data was entered in to Epi-data and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive
statistics for describing data and Logistic regression analyses to identify associated
factors were used.
Results:640 parents participated in the study yielding response rate of 100%.The current
smoking rate was 23.6%(95%CI: 20.5, 27.3).The odds of smoking among males were higher
as compared to females (AOR=2.6,95%CI: 1.5, 5).Age group (20-39) and 15-19 were
(AOR=19; 95% CI: 9.1, 39) and (AOR=3.7, 95%CI: 1.4, 10) more likely smoke respectively,
as compared to the age groups(40-59years). Formerly married parents were (AOR=1.6,
95%CI: 1.2-2.8) more likely to smoke than currently married parents. Illiterate (AOR=5;
95%CI: 1.5, 16.8) and high school complete (AOR=3, 95%CI: 1.4, 10.4) had higher odds of
smoking as compared to colleges and above. The odds of smoking among daily labor workers
were higher as compared to farmers(AOR=3.8, 95%CI: 1.7, 9).Poorest (AOR=4.3, 95%CI:
1.43, 17.6) and poorer (AOR=3.1, 95%CI: 1.13, 12.6)had higher odds as compared to
richest. Little knowledge on effects of cigarette smoking5 times more likely smoke than high
knowledgeable (AOR=5,95%,1.06-25), khat chewer parents were 2.2 times more likely
smoke than not khat chewer parents (AOR=2.2;95%CI:1.2,4). Having peer smoker (AOR=2,
95%CI: 1.2, 3.5) more likely smoke as compared to having non-smoking peers.
Conclusion: This study found that a high prevalence of self-reported current cigarette
smoking among parents in the Misrak Bedawacho Woreda. Furthermore, this study reveals
that parental current cigarette smoking is strongly associated with illiterate, low
socioeconomic status, daily labor working, having little knowledge, khat chewing practice
and peer smoking. Giving it as public health priority, WHO FCTC should be strengthened. A
nationwide health education campaign on the health risks of smoking cigarette is needed. An
increase in taxation on tobacco products can decrease its consumption, especially by the poor.
