Prevalence of Smoking Among Prison Population in Punjab, Pakistan: A cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of active and passive smoking among prisoners confined in Punjab Prisons.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 15th January to 15th March, 2017. A total of 301 male adult prisoners were enrolled through proportionate random sampling from 29 prisons of Punjab. Trained medical staff administered a structured pre-tested questionnaire to collect data on tobacco
consumption, exposure to secondhand smoke and demographic variables. Data was analyzed by Epi Info software and chi-square test at 95% level of confidence applied.
Results: Mean age of participants was 40 years (range; 16 – 90 years). Prevalence of smoking among prisoners was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37.2 - 48.7). Out of nonsmokers, 84% (95% CI: 77.34 – 88.90) prisoners were exposed to secondhand smoke. High education was protective against smoking (27%
versus 45% with below college degree; OR: 0.45; (95% CI: 0.2 – 0.96). Higher prevalence trend was observed with increasing age (39% up to 25 years, 42% among 26 to 45 years and 47%, > 45 years). Prevalence was high among single as compared to married (46% versus 41%) males.
Conclusion: Prevalence of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke among prisoners was high which indicates an epidemic like situation. Being single, illiteracy and age were the associated factors with high prevalence of active smoking. There is an urgent need for health promotion and anti-tobacco education
campaign in prisons.

How to cite: Mian R.M., Mahmood K., Faiz B., Intisar U. Pervaiz A. Prevalence of smoking among prison population in Punjab, Pakistan: A cross-sectional Study. Esculapio 2021;17(02):