Current cigarette smoking among Iranian elders; what are the prevalence, inequality and socioeconomic determinants? An analysis on Iranian Rural and Urban Income-Expenditure Survey 2017

This study aims to investigate the current prevalence of smoking, socioeconomic inequality, and main determinants of it among Iranian >= 60 years in 2017. The data of Iranian Rural and Urban Income-Expenditure Survey for 2017 have been obtained from Statistical Center of Iran. The prevalence rate of current smoking, inequality of current smoking through calculating the Concentration Index, and the main socioeconomic determinants of it have been investigated. The current prevalence of tobacco use in the elderly in Iran was about 11%; of which, 9% belonged to men and 2% to women. The most prevalent current tobacco uses in the elderly belonged to the age group of 70-79 years. This rate was lower in the two other borderline groups (under 70 and over 80 years of age). Furthermore, its prevalence was higher in the unemployed and married elderly, compared to their counterparts within each subgroup. Current cigarette smoking is among health problems, especially among the elderly, and its prevalence is significant in Iran.