Prevalence and Correlates of Tobacco Use in Rural Georgia
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Damian Francis, Ivey Whitworth
Abstract
Objectives. We assessed the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of tobacco use among adults in rural Georgia. Methods. We used the National Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire to collect data on current use of cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; water pipes; snus; and pipes. Eligible participants were 18 years and older residing in selected rural county in South Georgia. Survey was conducted through phone calls, web-based and in person collection. Analyses were stratified by gender, age, race/ethnicity, and education. Results. County prevalence of current use was 20.8% for cigarettes; 19.6% for cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars, 13.3%% for e-cigarettes and 4% for smokeless tobacco such as chew, dip, or snus. Tobacco use in any form was greatest among respondents who were male, younger (25-44yrs), and lived in unincorporated area of the county. Cigarette and e-cigarette use was greatest among those with higher education compared to cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars which was greatest among lesser educated respondents. Conclusions. Cigarette use in this rural county is higher than state and national estimates. Evidence-based prevention strategies are needed to decrease tobacco use and the health and economic burden of tobacco-related diseases.
Start Date
27-3-2024 3:20 PM
End Date
27-3-2024 3:28 PM
Location
Atkinson 107
Prevalence and Correlates of Tobacco Use in Rural Georgia
Atkinson 107
Objectives. We assessed the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of tobacco use among adults in rural Georgia. Methods. We used the National Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire to collect data on current use of cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; water pipes; snus; and pipes. Eligible participants were 18 years and older residing in selected rural county in South Georgia. Survey was conducted through phone calls, web-based and in person collection. Analyses were stratified by gender, age, race/ethnicity, and education. Results. County prevalence of current use was 20.8% for cigarettes; 19.6% for cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars, 13.3%% for e-cigarettes and 4% for smokeless tobacco such as chew, dip, or snus. Tobacco use in any form was greatest among respondents who were male, younger (25-44yrs), and lived in unincorporated area of the county. Cigarette and e-cigarette use was greatest among those with higher education compared to cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars which was greatest among lesser educated respondents. Conclusions. Cigarette use in this rural county is higher than state and national estimates. Evidence-based prevention strategies are needed to decrease tobacco use and the health and economic burden of tobacco-related diseases.