Document Type
Article
Department
Pulmonary and Critical Care
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors contributing to the initiation and propagation of smoking in visitors to a major tertiary health center in Karachi, Pakistan.
METHODS: Seven major contributing factors to the initiation and propagation of smoking were presented to consenting study participants (n=170) in a questionnaire. Participants were then requested to use their experience and opinion to rate each of the given factors on a scale of 1 to 5 regarding its importance as a causative factor in the initiation and propagation of smoking. Results were analyzed using SPSSv16.0.
RESULTS: Preliminary analysis revealed occupational stress relief as the most important factor contributing to smoking with a mean score of 3.25 +/- 1.32. Peer pressure ranked second (Score 3.20 +/- 1.42). Domestic stress relief ranked third with a score of 3.19 +/- 1.32. Smokers gave lower rating than non-smokers to most factors. Younger participants gave higher ratings to peer pressure, and most participants were found to have begun smoking at a young age.
CONCLUSIONS: Even though the addictive power of nicotine or stress may appear as a factor in middle aged smokers, the root of their habit lies in the initiation due to peer pressure.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
Recommended Citation
Nizami, S.,
Sobani, Z.,
Raza, E.,
Baloch, N.,
Khan, J.
(2011). Causes of smoking in Pakistan: an analysis of social factors. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 61(2), 198-201.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_med_pulm_critcare/6