Epidemiology and prevalence of tobacco use in Tehran; a report from the recruitment phase of Tehran cohort study

Abstract Introduction Tobacco use is a major health concern worldwide, especially in low/middle-income countries. We aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking, waterpipe, and pipe use in Tehran, Iran. Methods We used data from 8272 participants of the Tehran Cohort Study recruitment phase. Tobacco use was defined as a positive answer to using cigarettes, waterpipes, or pipes. Participants who did not report tobacco use during the interview but had a previous smoking history were categorized as former users. Age- and sex-weighted prevalence rates were calculated based on the national census data, and characteristics of current and former tobacco users were analyzed. Results Age- and sex-weighted prevalence of current tobacco users, cigarette smokers, waterpipe, and pipe users in Tehran was 19.8%, 14.9%, 6.1%, and 0.5%, respectively. Current tobacco use was higher in younger individuals (35–45 years: 23.4% vs. ≥ 75 years: 10.4%, P 12 years: 19.3% vs. illiterate: 9.7%, P