A Sociological Perspective on Tobacco Use, Smoking Behavior and Health Outcomes in Sindh Pakistan
1. Department of Sociology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
2. Department of Rural Sociology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam 70050, Pakistan
| Abstract: | This research explores the sociocultural factors influencing tobacco use and its health impacts in urban Sindh, Pakistan. The study employed both (Qualitative, Quantitative) technique including 500 respondents for structured survey using valid questionnaire as an instrument and 10 respondents purposefully for in-depth interview. Quantitative analysis, including logistic regression and correlation, was used to evaluate the relationships between smoking behaviors, social norms, economic status, and health awareness. The regression model demonstrated that both social norms (B = 0.65, p = 0.000) and economic conditions (B = 0.35, p = 0.003) play significant roles in increasing tobacco use, while greater health awareness (B = -0.40, p = 0.005) decreases the likelihood of smoking. Correlation results showed a positive association between age and smoking frequency (r = 0.46, p = 0.001) and a negative correlation between education and smoking frequency (r = -0.58, p = 0.00005). The qualitative data, obtained through in-depth interviews and was analyzed by NVIVO through thematic analysis. The qualitative results revealed that smoking is strongly influenced by cultural norms, particularly among men, where it serves as a symbol of masculinity and social engagement. Economic challenges were identified as a driving force behind smoking, especially among lower-income groups who view smoking as a way to manage stress. Additionally, health awareness was notably lower in economically disadvantaged groups, further perpetuating smoking habits. In conclusion, the study suggests that effective public health interventions should address the complex social and economic factors that sustain smoking behaviors. Culturally sensitive health campaigns that consider the economic and social realities of urban populations may better support efforts to reduce smoking, particularly in male-dominated social settings. |
| Keywords: | Tobacco Use; Socio-cultural Factors; Health; Smoking Behavior; Sindh; Pakistan |
| DOI: | 10.57237/j.ssrf.2025.01.001 |
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Received: 26 December 2024
Accepted: 18 January 2025
Published Online: 8 February 2025
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