Factors associated with Cigarette Smoking among Filipinos in the Philippines

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: Philippines has one of the highest cigarette smoking rates in Southeast Asia, yet few studies have been published on the smoking patterns and behaviors of Filipinos. The purpose of this study is to identify environmental, demographic, cognitive, lifestyle, and personal health factors associated with smoking cigarettes among Filipinos in the Philippines.

METHODS: This study analyzed the 2000 Adult Philippine Behavioral Risk Factor Survey. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with being a never smoker, current smoker, and former smoker for both Filipino men and women. Using STATA, data were weighted and results were adjusted to reflect the general Philippine adult population.

RESULTS: Approximately 53% of men and 9% of women are current smokers. Factors independently associated with smoking among men include being married and employed in agriculture or blue-collar industry, while factors associated with smoking among women include having less than a college degree and being older. Drinking alcohol and the interaction effect of living in an urban community and having negative attitude toward anti-smoking policies were associated with smoking for both men and women.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that the factors associated with smoking cigarettes among Filipinos are gender specific. They also show that there is a significant interaction between one's type of community and one's attitudes toward anti-smoking policies. Tobacco prevention and control efforts should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Program planners should develop interventions within the context of the male and female perspective and the type of community they live.