Tobacco use and associated factors among Rwandan youth aged 15-34 years: Findings from a nationwide survey, 2013

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionTobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the world. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of current tobacco use and identify associated factors among Rwandans aged 15-34 years.MethodsThis cross-sectional analytical study analysed secondary data collected during the nationally representative Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors Surveillance survey conducted in 2013 to explore the prevalence of tobacco use in Rwanda and identify factors associated with tobacco use. This study analysed data collected from 3,900 youth participants (15-34 years old), selected using multistage cluster sampling technique. The overall proportion of current smokers, as well as demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the sample were determined and multivariable logistic regression employed to identify factors independently associated with current tobacco use.ResultsThe prevalence (weighted) of current tobacco use (all forms) was 8% (95%CI: 7.08-9.01). Prevalence statistically significant was found in the following group: higher prevalence was found among males, young adults aged 24-34, youth with primary school education or less, those from Southern province, people with income (work in public, private organizations and self-employed) and young married adults.There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence of tobacco use between participants from urban or rural areas (7.8% vs. 8.0%). Factors that were found to be associated with current tobacco use through the multivariate analysis included being a male, aged 25 years and above, having an income, and residing in Eastern, Kigali City and Southern Province compared to Western province.ConclusionThe association between smoking and sociodemographic characteristics among Rwandan youth identified in this study provides an opportunity for policy makers to tailor future policies, and implement coordinated, high-impact interventions to prevent initiation of tobacco use among the youth.