{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.017461383478844864, 'fraction_numerical': 0.006044325050369375, 'mean_word_length': 5.681614349775785, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Exploring factors associated with the use of tobacco and smokeless tobacco in Timor-Leste

ABSTRACT Objective Tobacco epidemic is a serious global health issue, and it is responsible for various illnesses. The objective of this study is to examine sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with the use of tobacco and smokeless tobacco among the population in Timor-Leste. Methods Information on tobacco consumption, sociodemographic profiles, and lifestyle behavior was obtained from the Timor–Leste Demographic and Health Survey 2016. A bivariate probit regression method was developed to analyze data from 17229 respondents. The effects of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on the likelihood of using tobacco and smokeless tobacco were estimated. Results Age, gender, educational level, wealth quintiles, employment status and alcohol drinking were significantly associated with the use of tobacco and smokeless tobacco. Older individuals, males, employed individuals and alcohol drinkers were more likely to be dual users than younger individuals, females, unemployed individuals and non-alcoholic drinkers. Having a high educational level and being in a wealthy quintile were protective against being a dual user. Conclusions Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors play an important role in determining the use of tobacco and smokeless tobacco in Timor-Leste. The findings of this study could help the authorities in formulating more effective tobacco control strategies.