Title: Social determinants of tobacco smoking among male population in an emerging economy

Authors: H.N. Au Yong; K.E. Heng; Z.Y. Ho; W.L. Keh; Z.Y. Lee; M.Y. Wong

Addresses: Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Perak, 31900, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Perak, 31900, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Perak, 31900, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Perak, 31900, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Perak, 31900, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Perak, 31900, Malaysia

Abstract: Background: This study was organised to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and associated factors among the male population in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study organised among the male population. Data was gathered in Malaysia through face-to-face interviews. The study was performed for a period of three months, from May to July 2019. 360 responses were analysed using statistical software SPSS. Results: Analysis showed that 64.2% of the smokers were aged 19-40 years, 41.1% attained secondary education, 39.7% smoke when encountering stress. The analysis revealed that tobacco price and secondary education and below to be significant predictors of tobacco use. Conclusions: Based on the study, most of the smokers were youths. Hence, tobacco control campaigns must aim strict enforcement prohibiting tobacco use, and strengthen the education of the harmful effects of tobacco use in schools as well as promotions to quit smoking.

Keywords: emerging economies; environment; health; male; smoking.

DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2023.135454

International Journal of Environment and Health, 2023 Vol.11 No.1, pp.34 - 53

Accepted: 03 Apr 2023
Published online: 13 Dec 2023 *

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