Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking and Factors Influencing Cigarette Smoking Behaviour among Adult Myanmar Migrant Workers in Mahachai Sub-District, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out in Mahachai sub-district, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand, in February, 2009. Through the use of PRECEDE model, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking and factors influencing the cigarette smoking behaviour among adult Myanmar migrant workers in the study site. Three hundred and forty-seven adult Myanmar migrant workers aged between 18-59 years old livings in the area were interviewed by using a structured interview questionnaire. Overall prevalence of cigarette smoking were 35.2% with 59.2% of male current smokers and 8.0% of female current smokers. Regarding predisposing factors, cigarette smoking behaviour had an association with gender (p<0.001) and ethnicity (p<0.05). Cigarette smoking behaviour associated with attitude on cigarette smoking (p<0.05). In terms of reinforcing factors, there was a relationship between cigarette smoking behaviour and acquainted people of the respondents as well as with a designation of smoke-free workplace and living quarter. For an accessibility to cigarette market among current smokers as enabling factors, monthly expenditure on cigarette purchase had an association with cigarette smoking behaviour (p<0.001). In conclusion, smoke-free workplace and living quarter for environmental support intervention and awareness-building should be implemented for Myanmar migrant workers The acquainted people, who highly influence on smoking of the respondents, should be informed about smoking hazard and their being the source of smoking.