The prevalence of cigarette smoking in residents of Tehran.

BACKGROUND To determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking in Tehran and some of its determinants. METHODS In a cross-sectional population-based study, a sample from citizens of Tehran was obtained using stratified random cluster sampling. Through a face to face interview, data such as the history of smoking in the past (abstinence from smoking) and at the present time (active smoking), and number of cigarettes per day and per year were collected. In general, people who smoked more than 100 cigarette-days were considered smokers. Pack per year was used to evaluate the severity of smoking. RESULTS Out of the sampled people, 4565 participated in the study. Of these, 74.4%, who were over 15 years of age, were studied for smoking. The prevalence of smoking in Tehran was 11.9% (95%CI, 10.6-13.3). Some 20.6% of the male participants (95%CI, 18.2-23.1) and 2.9% of the female participants (95%CI, 2.2-3.7) were smokers (P<0.001). The prevalence of smoking significantly increased with age until 54 years of age (OR=1.07; 95%CI, 1.06-1.08). People with higher education smoked more. Also, married people smoked significantly more than singles (OR=2.7; 95%CI, 1.85-3.95). Smokers used 209 cigarette pack-years on average, which was significantly higher in men and in people with lower education (P<0.001). CONCLUSION The results of this study showed lower prevalence of cigarette smoking has relatively decreased compared with previous studies. However, healthcare officials should consider educational and healthcare programs to decrease the prevalence of smoking.