Abstract:
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) can be observed as a leading cause of mortality
in Sri Lanka. Smoking, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy
diets increase the risk of dying from NCDs according to the World Health
Organization (2015). Smoking can be identified as one of the main behavioural risk
factors that cause NCDs. The main objective of this study is to investigate the patterns
and trends of smoking among men over 40 years of age in Sri Lanka because smoking
is a risk factor for men with NCDs. The study used interviewer-administered
questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and publications of the Department of Census and
Statistics as primary and secondary data sources. The target population was 128 men
in the study area of the Colombo District, who are over 40 years of age and suffer
from any kind of NCD. The study reveals the prevalence, frequency, and patterns of
smoking among this population. The mean age of starting to smoke was found to be
25 years of age. The study revealed that a majority of the respondents are nonsmokers.
A considerable number of respondents abstained from smoking after being
diagnosed with an NCD and on their doctor’s recommendation. Respondents who
were smokers had limited the number of cigarettes smoked per day. A higher
percentage of smokers’ smoke with office colleagues, while some have become
victims of passive smoking. This study identifies that to minimize mortality due to
NCDs, smoking has to be controlled. Men should be encouraged to abstain, and
awareness should be raised to that end. Attention should also be paid to reducing inoffice
smoking which is connected to work stress.
