Smoking social acceptability in Lebanese adults: Effect of age, gender, family influence, and residence

Abstract

Sandrella Bou Malhab1,2,3, Souheil Hallit4,5, Lydia Rabbaa Khabbaz2,3,6, Pascale Salameh5,7,8

Objectives: To investigate the interactions of sociodemographic factors that are associated with the acceptance or refusal of smoking in society. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between February 2017 and January 2018 using a proportionate cluster sample of 630 Lebanese adults. An index was constructed, the “smoking social unacceptability index”. This index is still in its initial stage and is based on two questions. A stratification analysis over age, gender, family influence, city of residence, and smoking status was carried out. Results: The results of the linear regressions, taking the “smoking social unacceptability index” as the dependent variable where higher scores would indicate higher social smoking unacceptability (strongly agreeing on banning). The results showed that having a smoker at home (Beta = −0.664) and big city residency (Beta = −0.481) were significantly associated with a lower score on the “smoking social unacceptability index”. Being a smoker (Beta = −0.696) was significantly and highly associated with a lower score. Whereas female gender (Beta = −0.522) and higher education level (Beta = −0.358) were associated with a higher index score. Age and working status did not show a significant effect. Conclusion: Gender, family influence, smoking status, big city residency, and education level would affect the attitude toward smoking bans. Public education and the implementation of adequate policies are necessary