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Research Paper | Public Health | Maldives | Volume 13 Issue 7, July 2024 | Popularity: 5.2 / 10

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Characteristics of Tobacco Users who Visited the Tobacco Cessation Clinic in an Urban Primary Healthcare Center in Male' Maldives from 2017 - 2023: A Retrospective, Descriptive Cross - Sectional Study

Abdul Azeez Hameed

Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to identify the demographic profiles, tobacco usage patterns, and history of previous quit attempts among attendees of the tobacco cessation clinic at an Urban Primary Healthcare Center (Dhamanaveshi) in Male?, Maldives, spanning from 2017 through 2023. Key aspects included examining participants' demographic details, their habits related to tobacco consumption, and their experiences with attempting to quit smoking or using tobacco products. Methods: A retrospective, quantitative, descriptive survey was undertaken utilizing secondary data extracted from tobacco cessation assessment forms at the Urban Primary Healthcare Center (Dhamanaveshi) 's tobacco cessation clinic. The study employed a census sampling approach, encompassing all available tobacco cessation forms, resulting in a total sample size of 544 participants. The primary researcher developed a data transfer sheet based on a review of the assessment forms, facilitating the systematic transfer of required data. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21.0 to summarize and interpret the collected data. Results: Out of 544 tobacco users, 494 (90.8%) were male and 50 (9.2%) were female. The majority were married and employed, and most did not take any medication or have allergies. The average age of tobacco users was 39.6 years, with the majority falling within the 36 - 64 age range. A significant number of tobacco users started using tobacco before the age of 18, and most had been using it for at least 10 years. Many of them were traditional smokers who exclusively used Camel brand cigarettes. The majority smoked more than 10 cigarettes daily or used tobacco more than 10 times a day. Regarding quitting habits, most of the study participants had attempted to quit smoking at least once. About one third had attempted to quit in the past, with an equal number having quit for less than a week. The largest group of tobacco users had never used tobacco cessation services and relied mainly on willpower to quit. Challenges such as cravings, withdrawals, and triggers were significant barriers reported by tobacco users trying to quit. Conclusion: The majority of tobacco users attending the selected tobacco cessation clinic began using tobacco at a young age, consumed over 10 cigarettes daily, and had been using tobacco for more than 10 years. They predominantly smoked traditional cigarettes, with a strong preference for Camel brand cigarettes. Given these characteristics, it is crucial to enhance public awareness about the risks associated with tobacco use. Furthermore, it is advisable to provide orientation and training to healthcare providers in tobacco cessation strategies to better support tobacco users in quitting in a timely manner. This proactive approach can significantly contribute to reducing tobacco - related harm and promoting better health outcomes in the community.

Keywords: Tobacco use, Tobacco cessation, Dhamanaveshi, Tobacco cessation clinic, Practice of tobacco use. Maldives cessation service, Tobacco cessation in Maldives

Edition: Volume 13 Issue 7, July 2024

Pages: 1174 - 1181

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR24723012837

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