Clustering of chronic disease risk factors with tobacco smoking habits among adults in the work place in Sousse, Tunisia

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of our study was to explore the major non-communicable risk factors (unhealthy diet, sedentarily, alcohol consumption) of smokers and nonsmokers in workplaces.MethodsA cross-sectional study was derived from an initial assessment in workplaces which was part of a community-based intervention to prevent chronic disease risk factors conducted in 2009 in the region of Sousse, Tunisia. The surveyed subjects were employees in six factories spread across three delegations in the region. Overall, 1770 of 2250 employees participated in the assessment. In this study, the clustering of non-communicable diseases risk factors with smoking habits was made only for male employees including in this study 1099 among 2250. Data were collected at worksites by a questionnaire, via interview or self-report. The main items assessed socio-demographics characteristics, smoking status, eating habits, level of physical activity and alcohol use of the participants.ResultsThe percentage of male smokers was 54.0%(n=594). Their average age of daily smoking initiation was 19.22 (±4.24 years). The percentage of male smokers consuming 5 fruits and vegetables per day was significantly lower than nonsmokers (57.2% vs 63.5%, p=0.04). The proportion of male smokers consuming alcohol was about three times that of nonsmokers (16.5% vs 5.8%, p=0.001). The proportion of male employees who agree with anti-smoking laws in work places was higher for nonsmokers than for smokers.ConclusionA strong association existed between smoking and risky lifestyles factors in the work place. Such findings are potentially useful in directing intervention efforts regarding smoking cessation in occupational settings.

Tobacco use and associated mental symptoms and health risk behaviours amongst individuals 15 years or older in South Africa

“…These findings are largely consistent with previous research. 3,4,5,6,7,10,11,12,15,17,18,19,20,25,26,27 It is possible that compared to non-tobacco users, 'tobacco users engage to a greater extent in risk denial not only with tobacco use but also with other health risk behaviours'. 15,26 A strong dose-response relationship was found between tobacco use and drinking problem in this study.…”

“…16 Many studies found an association between tobacco use and alcohol consumption, 7,17,18,19,20,21 hazardous alcohol use 15,22 and illicit drug use. 23 A number of studies found that compared to non-smokers, smokers had higher odds of having unhealthy nutritional status and dietary behaviour, such as poor diet quality, 22,24 less compliance with dietary recommendations, 24 fast-food consumption, 21,25 more high-fat foods intake, 26,27 consumption of foods high in sugar and soft drinks, 17,21,25,26,28 fewer fruit and/or vegetables intake, 17,19,20,21,26,27,28 high sodium consumption 15,19,26 and less likely to eat milk and dairy products. 21,28 In addition, tobacco use was associated with physical inactivity, 22,29 more exercise, 28 sedentary behaviour 29 and poor oral hygiene.…”

Smoking pattern and associated sociodemographic factors: Findings from a nationwide STEPS survey in Iran

“…The association between smoking and demographic factors have been reported in a previous study. [13141516] In most studies, smoking was associated with lower education, older age, and unemployment. [6101417] Particularly, education level is considered as a key demographic factor in predicting smoking,[61819] so that smoking rate significantly decreased with higher education level.…”

Impact of a soft tip nicotine-free harmless cigarette as part of a smoking cessation program with psychological support and varenicline: an integrated workplace smoking cessation intervention

“…Although studies on cessation paths for smokers in their workplaces are increasing, 1,2 the effects of the grouping of lifestyle factors (mainly unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption) with smoking, therefore, need further research. 3 To date, therefore, there is a strong association between smoking and risky lifestyles in the workplace.…”