BACKGROUND: We aimed to deepen the understanding of the temporal evolution of tobacco consumption habits in Tunisia by capturing trends in usage behavior across successive years.
METHODS: Data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey in Tunisia, a UNICEF-conducted repeated cross-sectional survey, were used to compare trends in the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of alcohol consumption among men and women in Tunisia, focusing on urban-rural differences, economic status, and educational levels across 2018 and 2023.
RESULTS: In 2023, 49.8% of men reported tobacco use, compared to 49.4% in 2018 (p=0.8). Tobacco prevalence was higher in urban areas (52.3%) than in rural areas (44.8%) (p<0.001). Men with no schooling reported higher prevalence (50.4%) compared to those with higher education (44.4%) (p<0.001). Prevalence increased with age, starting at 16.5% among adolescents aged 15-19 and peaking at 58.9% among men aged 35-39 (p<0.001). Furthermore, 49.8% of men had never used tobacco, compared to 97.4% of women in 2023 (p<0.001). Among women, tobacco prevalence was 1.9% in 2023 and 1.7% in 2018 (p=0.8). Urban women reported a higher prevalence (2.8%) compared to rural women (0%) (p<0.001). Prevalence was also higher among wealthier women (4.1%) compared to the poorest (0.3%) (p=0.03) and among women with higher education (1.8%) compared to those with no schooling (0.9%) (p=0.06).
CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco use among Tunisian men exhibits variations based on geographical location and educational attainment. Additionally, smoking prevalence escalates with age. Despite being relatively low, women's consumption of tobacco is comparatively higher in urban settings and among those from affluent backgrounds. Adapted public health interventions to combat smoking in Tunisia should prioritize high-prevalence areas and vulnerable populations while considering specific demographic factors to ensure effective intervention strategies.