Kahramanmaraş il Merkezinde Tüketicilerin Sigara ve Maraş Otu Kullanımını Etkileyen Faktörlerin Analizi

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate how socio-economic and demographic factors, lifestyle and health-related characteristics were associated with the prevalence of cigarette, smokeless tobacco and dual tobacco use among 259 men and 141 women aged 18-70 years in Kahramanmaras. Data were collected about socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of cigarette smoking and use of smokeless tobacco (maras powder) by the family members in Kahramanmaras City center, the population of which has a high prevalence of maras powder use. Significant differences were found in prevalence of maras powder use and of cigarette smoking by age and gender. A significantly higher proportion of males than females were maras powder users (25.1% vs 1.4%) at the time of the interview. Similarly, cigarette smoking was also significantly higher among males (38,6% vs 22,7%) compared to females. Seventy-one per cent of former smokers and 10,6% of current smokers had ever used powder. The difference was larger among men (78,4% versus 14%). Results indicated that, daily or occasionally smoking was more common among male consumer with single parents, less educated consumer and consumers using alcohol. On the other hand, daily or occasionally maras powder use was more common among lower-income and less educated consumers, elderly people, male consumer with single parents, less educated consumer and consumers using alcohol. In view of the high prevalence of tobacco use, especially of maras powder use, among the population surveyed, there is an urgent need to educate the public on the health consequences of these habits.