Prevalence and characteristics of tobacco use among adults in Kazakhstan: A cross-sectional National Survey

Abstract

Background

Smoking remains a major public health concern worldwide, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Despite the implementation of tobacco control measures, smoking prevalence in Kazakhstan remains high. This study aims to assess the prevalence, demographic characteristics, and regional variations in smoking habits among adults in Kazakhstan.

Methods

A cross-sectional national survey was conducted from October 2021 to May 2022, covering all 17 regions of Kazakhstan. A total of 6720 adults aged 18–69 years participated, selected using a weighted multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected through structured interviews based on the WHO STEPwise approach. Smoking status, tobacco consumption patterns, and smoking cessation attempts were analyzed. The results were reported as means with 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

Findings

The overall smoking prevalence was 19.1 %. Smoking was significantly more common among men (30.3 %) than women (7.9 %). The highest smoking prevalence was observed in the 30–44 age group (44.2 %) and among private-sector employees (53.2 %). Regional differences were notable, with the lowest smoking prevalence in Atyrau (9.2 %) and the highest in Pavlodar (30.4 %). Among current smokers, 89.1 % smoked daily, with an average of 11.8 cigarettes per day (95 % CI: 11.4–12.2). Only 36.7 % of smokers who visited healthcare professionals in the past year received advice to quit. Additionally, 42.8 % attempted to quit smoking in the past 12 months. Passive smoking exposure was common, with 26.8 % of women and 22.3 % of men exposed at home, and 30.2 % of men and 14.4 % of women exposed at work. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use was low (1 %).

Interpretation

Smoking remains prevalent among adults in Kazakhstan, with significant differences by gender, age, occupation, and region. The high prevalence of daily smoking and the low frequency of smoking cessation advice from healthcare professionals indicate the need for stronger tobacco control policies, targeted public health campaigns, and enhanced smoking cessation support programs. These findings provide a basis for future research and policy-making efforts aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and its associated health risks.