Tobacco cessation in a population over age 15 years: a community-based survey in Alexandria

A survey of 2120 adults in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the determinants and patterns of tobacco cessation among ever smokers. Ever smokers were 30.7% of respondents; only 3.5% had given up smoking [quit ratio of 11.4%]. The quit ratio was significantly lower for ex-daily smokers [7.5%] than for ex-occasional smokers [44.8%]. Among current smokers, 56.3% were between the contemplation and preparatory phases for quitting, whereas 25.1% were in the action phase of attempting to quit, for an average duration of 2.5 months, before relapsing. Health concerns were the motive for all ex-smokers and 95.0% of attempters, but craving for nicotine was the commonest reason for relapse. Tobacco cessation was predicted by older age of tobacco initiation, shorter duration of use, presence of health problems and a perception of the benefits of quitting

Current and never smokers: differentials in characteristics, knowledge and perceptions

A cross-sectional interview survey of tobacco use was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, comparing current smokers with never smokers. Among men, the risk of current tobacco use was significantly higher among married participants [OR = 1.74], especially those with low educational or occupational status. In contrast, although few women smoked, tobacco use was significantly higher among those holding a university degree [OR = 15.33]. Never smokers were significantly more knowledgeable than current smokers about tobacco-related health hazards. Never smokers had significantly better perceptions of the danger of tobacco use, susceptibility to health-related hazards and the benefits of being tobacco-free. Multivariate analysis revealed that tobacco use is independently predicted by participants' sex, age and educational attainment as well as their perceptions

Prevalence of smoking and age of initiation in Alexandria, Egypt

A cross-sectional survey on tobacco use in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, used an interview questionnaire based on World Health Organization guidelines. The study in 2000 included 2120 participants aged 15 to 86 years. More than a quarter [27.2%] were current smokers [25.5% daily smokers and 1.7% occasional smokers] and 3.5% were ex-smokers. Current smokers spent 23.1% of their family income on tobacco. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher among men [48.5%] than women [1.5%] and the mean age of initiation of smoking was lower among men [18.1 years] than women [22.6 years].The high prevalence of tobacco use among men is of concern, so too is the likelihood that tobacco use will increase among women. Further research is needed into factors that prevent people from starting smoking and assist them stopping smoking