Cigarette smoking and perceptions about smoking and health in Chad

Cigarette consumption has increased dramatically in recent decades in Africa, and a steep rise in tobacco-related morbidity and mortality is expected to follow. This paper presents findings from a study of men's smoking habits and perceptions about smoking and health conducted in an urban centre in southern Chad. Over 24% of men aged 15 and above smoke, and the prevalence of smoking among 25 to 44 year olds exceeds 40%. Members of the study sample began smoking at a mean age of 22, and over 78% smoke unfiltered cigarettes. Unemployed men have higher rates of smoking (50%) than men in other occupational categories, though we found no association between smoking status and level of education. Most smokers (52.4%) smoke fewer than five cigarettes daily; recent migration to an urban area is associated with heavier smoking. Though there are some misconceptions about the effects of tobacco, the vast majority of smokers (97.6%) and non-smokers (94.8%) know that cigarettes are damaging to health. Nearly 90% of smokers are trying to quit or intend to quit in the near future. The study highlights the addictive nature of tobacco and the need to focus on smoking prevention, particularly among young men.