Profiling of Tobacco Consumers in Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

This study aims to analyze tobacco consumption patterns and identify the sociodemographic factors associated with tobacco cessation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Using data from the World Health Organization's Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), we classified the population into three distinct profiles: current smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers. The analysis highlights key demographic and occupational characteristics that shape smoking behavior and cessation outcomes. Logistic regression was applied to determine the predictors of successful quitting, with the ex-smoker status used as an indicator of cessation success. Results revealed that factors such as age, gender, education level, residence, and work environment significantly influence the likelihood of quitting. These findings provide actionable insights for public health stakeholders and underline the necessity of designing targeted behavior change interventions to support vulnerable populations in their efforts to quit tobacco and reduce smoking-related health disparities in the EMR.