The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: To characterize smoking epidemics in rural communities of Vietnam and Indonesia by identifying associations between socio-economic status and changes in smoking status among adult populations

Methods: Population-based surveys were carried out in two demographic surveillance sites (DSSs) in Vietnam and Indonesia using the WHO STEPS approach to surveillance of non-communicable disease risk factors. Main outcome measurements were prevalence of daily smoking, and changes from starting daily smoking (regular use) to ceasing daily smoking (cessation).

Results: Prevalence of smoking among people aged 25-54 years was higher in Indonesia than in Vietnam. Indonesian men started smoking regularly earlier and ceased less than Vietnamese men. While low income was found to be a significant predictor of becoming regular smokers in Vietnam, old birth cohort and low education significantly increased the probability of being a regular smoker in Indonesia. Economic status was also found to be a significant predictor of smoking cessation in Vietnam while education and occupation played an important role in Indonesia. Tobacco control activities in Vietnam appear to be better implemented and has been further improved by signing and ratifying the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.