Examining tobacco consumption: prevalence and associated factors among Cambodians aged 15-49 from the 2021-2022 Demographic and Health Survey

Tobacco consumption is a significant preventable cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of tobacco consumption among Cambodian individuals aged 15-49, utilising data from the 2021-2022 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS).

Cross-sectional study based on secondary analysis of the 2021-2022 CDHS.

Nationwide household survey conducted across urban and rural areas of Cambodia.

A total of 28 321 respondents aged 15-49 years were included in the analysis.

Tobacco consumption categorised as no use, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco and dual use. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess associations between background characteristics and tobacco consumption, with 'no consumption' as the reference category. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Among the 28 321 respondents (68.8% female), 91.8% were non-users of tobacco (reference group), while 6.9% reported smoking (predominantly males; adjusted relative risk ratios (ARRR)=39.29, 95% CI 29.70 to 51.96, p<0.001). Additionally, 0.2% used smokeless tobacco and 1.1% were dual users. Higher risks of smoking were observed among those aged 40-49 (ARRR=5.17, 95% CI 3.58 to 7.47, p<0.001) and among alcohol consumers (ARRR=1.85, 95% CI 1.57 to 2.18, p<0.001).

While Cambodia has made notable progress in reducing tobacco consumption, the persistent challenges highlighted by the prevalence of smoking, particularly among specific demographics, indicate the need for targeted public health interventions.