Examining Trends of Cigarette Smoking Amongst Syrian Refugees During Their First Two Years in Canada

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

Publication Date

6-1-2021

Volume

23

Issue

3

First Page

640

Last Page

645

Keywords

Canada, Cigarette smoking, Health care providers, Refugees

DOI

10.1007/s10903-021-01153-3

ISSN

15571912

Abstract

This brief report explored trends of cigarette smoking among Syrian newcomers in the first two years of resettlement in Canada. 1794 adult Syrian refugees were surveyed about their physical and mental health, and smoking behaviours. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and logistic regressions. Almost 27% of the sample reported cigarette smoking (50% light smokers and 50% moderate/heavy smokers). Light smokers increased and moderate/heavy smokers decreased in the number of cigarettes smoked from year 1 to year 2. Moderate/heavy smokers were more likely to be male and reported higher post-traumatic stress scores, while light smokers reported higher depression scores. Only 14.3% of smokers recalled receiving advice from health care providers in Canada regarding their smoking habits. Healthcare providers should provide tailored advice to everyone who is an active smoker with a specific emphasis on those who have concurrent health issues.

E-ISSN

15571920

PubMed ID

33570700

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