Factors Associated With Tobacco Use in Uganda: A Multinomial Logit Approach

Abstract

This study was aimed at assessing factors associated with tobacco use in Uganda using a multinomial logit approach. The study utilized data from the Uganda Non-communicable Diseases Risk Factor baseline survey conducted in the year 2014. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the School of Statistics and Planning, Makerere University carried out the survey. The survey covered all the regions of Uganda and a total of 3,987 people were interviewed. The study was based on a multinomial logistic regression model. The choice of the model was influenced by the fact that the dependent variable, tobacco use had more than two unordered outcomes. Results indicate that sex, age, level of education, marital status and waist-hip ratio were significant predictors of tobacco use. Males were more likely to be current and former smokers compared to females. Persons aged 40 years and above were more likely to be former smokers compared to those aged 20 to 29 years. Persons with no education were more likely to be current smokers compared to those with primary and secondary education. Married persons had less rates of tobacco use compared to those who separated, but higher than those who are never married. For waist hip ration, persons with low risk had less rates of tobacco use compared to those with moderate risk, but slightly higher compared to those with high risk. In conclusion, there are differences in predictors of TUC across type of residence in Uganda. The government needs to do more sensitization about dangers of tobacco use through media by translating the information into local languages to reach people with no education and cessation services brought closer to people with no or little education.