Tobacco use and its associated factors among older people: a community-based study in Egypt

Background: Smoking is a major health risk and tobacco use is common in all age groups in Egypt. In older people, tobacco use is considered the primary preventable cause of disability and death. Few studies have considered tobacco use in older people and its associated factors. Aims: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and type of tobacco use among older people in Mansoura, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive population-based study was carried out in Mansoura District (both urban and rural areas). It included 663 older people aged 60 years or over. Data were collected from interviews at participants' homes using a questionnaire covering family sociodemographic details, tobacco smoking history, nicotine addiction scale, and religious commitment inventory. Results: The prevalence of active current tobacco smoking among participants was 25.3%, passive smoking was 37.1%, while 6.3% were ex-smokers. Among active current smokers nicotine dependence was 42.3%, and 23.3% had failed to quit smoking, while 30.3% had the intention to quit. Logistic regression analysis revealed that being male, having low levels of education and religiosity, and urban residence were the independent predictors of current smoking. Conclusion: The prevalence of both active and passive tobacco smoking among older people was considered high compared to high-income countries. The most important factors associated with smoking status were sex, education and religiosity. There is an urgent need for anti-tobacco campaigns and smoking cessation interventions specifically targeting older people.