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Tobacco Use in Sudan: Prevalence, Patterns, and Determinants – A Systematic Review

Background: The aim of this review was to investigate the published papers about prevalence, patterns, and determinants of tobacco use in Sudan. Methods: Four scientific databases were searched for relevant articles published between 1900 and 2020. Applying the inclusion criteria, which were original articles published in peer-reviewed journals, conducted on Sudanese in Sudan and about tobacco prevalence, patterns of use, or determinants, in either English or Arabic languages, 20 articles were included in this review. Results: Two articles (10%) were among the general population, 8 (40%) among schoolchildren and adolescents, 4 (20%) among medical and health professions university students, 3 (15%) studies among non-health professions university students, and 3 studies among special groups (prisoners, diabetic patients and school workers). The reported prevalence ranged from 1% to 47.5%, with significant differences between males and females. All patterns of tobacco use are practiced in Sudan. Peer pressures, having more money, and family tobacco user or friends were associated with tobacco use initiation. Conclusion: All patterns of tobacco utilization (cigarette smoking, Toombak dipping, and shisha) are practiced in Sudan as well as combined patterns. Tobacco prevalence ranges from 1–25% and 10–47.5% among adolescents and adults, respectively, indicating the need for intervention programs to enhance decreasing this high prevalence.