Abstract:

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in Keşan and İpsala, two districts of Edirne. The present study was conducted to determine the level of cigarette consumption among smokers and the factors affecting cigarette consumption. The study sample included 888 smokers, all over 18 years of age. A questionnaire consisting of 21 questions was administered to the participants. The data was analyzed using the SPSS 21. Of the participants, 57% started smoking due to peer influence. Smoking 6 or more packs of cigarettes per week was more prevalent among those having an elementary school education or less (77.2%) compared to high school graduates (65.1%), or university graduates (60.5%). Indeed, smoking 6 or more packs of cigarettes each week was 23 times more likely among those who considered themselves heavy smokers than among those who considered themselves light smokers. Cigarette consumption was associated with sociodemographic variables such as age, education, and gender. The sociodemographic factors associated with smoking discovered in this study could guide and support the development of public health strategies to discourage people from smoking.     

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