Evaluation of factors affecting smoke use and tobacco addiction among young citizens of Ulaanbaatar city

Abstract

Background: The increase in smoking among young people in the world in recent years is directly related to the increase in the production and consumption of smoky cigarettes, and within this, the cases of nicotine addiction are increasing drastically. Therefore, in this study, we aim to evaluate the degree of smoking addiction among young citizens of Ulaanbaatar and compare the factors that can affect it. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of tobacco use among young citizens of Ulaanbaatar and some factors that may influence their addiction. To determine the prevalence of tobacco use among young citizens of Ulaanbaatar. Materials and Methods: From November 2023 to January 2024, a survey was conducted from 13 to 44 years of age in Ulaanbaatar, and the sample was collected randomly. “STEPS” and “GYTS” were used in the questions. The general descriptive and Chi-square methods in the IBM-SPSS 26 program were used for processing the results, and statistically significant differences were evaluated at p<0.05. Results: A total of 1362 people participated in the study, 59.5% (n=811) were women, 40.5% (n=551) were men. 18.8% of the respondents smoke cigarettes, 23.2% smoke electronic cigarettes, and the total consumption of tobacco was 34.9%. Compared to gender, tobacco use was higher among men, with a cigarette and total tobacco use highest among 25-44 year olds and e-cigarette use among 16-24 year olds. 43.1% of smokers have someone who smokes at home, and 72.9% have someone who smokes at work. 27.3% (p<0.05) of those who discussed the harmful effects of smoking in the last 1 year are smoking. However, the age at which smoking was first tried and the type of smoking was not related to smoking. Conclusion: 1 out of 3 youths in Ulaanbaatar use some kind of tobacco. To reduce the consumption of tobacco, it is necessary to support health education among citizens in schools and institutions and to stop and monitor all kinds of open and hidden advertising of tobacco.