dc.description.abstract | Background: Use of tobacco has become one of the major causes of premature deaths in most developing
countries, including Bangladesh. The poorest and most disadvantaged populations, such as those living in slums,
are considered to be extremely vulnerable to non-communicable diseases and their risk factors, especially tobacco
use. The objective of this study was to assess the current status of tobacco consumption among slum dwellers and
its association with socio-demographic factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three slums of Dhaka city. Information about tobacco use as
well as socio-demographic characteristics was collected from adult slum dwellers via face to face interviews using
WHO STEPS questionnaire.
Result: Overall proportion of smoking, smokeless tobacco consumption and dual use of tobacco was 35% [95% CI:
31.6-39.8], 40.6% [95% CI: 36.5–45.2] and 12% [95% CI: 9.3–15.0] respectively. Elderly people (55–64 years) were more
likely to smoke (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.21–4.49) than younger people (aged 25–34 years). On the other hand, those
who had no schooling history (OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.66–5.25) were more likely to consume smokeless tobacco than
those who had higher education (secondary or above). At the same time, manual workers were more likely to
indulge in dual use of tobacco (OR: 5.17, 95% CI: 2.82–9.48) as compared to non-manual workers.
Conclusion: The urban slum population of Dhaka city has a high prevalence of tobacco use, which increases their
likelihood of developing non-communicable diseases. Proper attention needs to be directed towards addressing
the risk factors related to non-communicable diseases within this vulnerable population. | en_US |