Tobacco use and associated factors in older adults in South Africa

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tobacco use and their associated factors in older South Africans. We conducted a national population-based cross-sectional study with a sample of 3840 aged 50 years or older in South Africa in 2008 (males= 44.1%, females= 55.9%, mean age= 61.6, SD= 9.5, blacks= 74.0%). Participants completed a collection of surveys including socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco use, health variables as well as comorbidity. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Findings suggest that being a member of the Coloured population group, separated or divorced, heavy alcohol use, not being obese, insufficient use of fruits and vegetables and lack of social cohesion were associated with current daily tobacco use, and being male gender, being married, separated or divorced or widowed and not being obese were associated with former daily tobacco use.