Disparities in smoking behaviors between Han and Yi: a cross-sectional survey study in Sichuan, China

Abstract Introduction In China, there are disparities in smoking behaviors among different ethnic groups. However, the specific disparities and their influencing factors haven’t been deeply studied. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled residents aged ≥ 15 years from four geographically and economically diverse regions of Sichuan Province, China, in 2022. We employed binary logistic regression and negative binomial regression models to examine ethnic disparities in smoking status and daily cigarette consumption, respectively. The analysis presented both unadjusted estimates and estimates adjusted for a range of sociodemographic and smoking-related covariates. Results A total of 5,671 urban and rural residents were included; Yi participants comprised 8.22% of the sample. After multivariable adjustment, the smoking rate and daily cigarette consumption among the Yi ethnic group were significantly higher than those of the Han. Subgroup analyses revealed that among Yi individuals, middle-aged individuals were more likely to smoke than younger adults (adjusted odds ratio[AOR] = 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.15, 7.02]). Married individuals (AOR = 3.40, 95% CI [1.16, 9.94]) and widowed/divorced individuals (AOR = 15.22, 95% CI [2.07, 117.73]) were more likely to smoke than unmarried people. Compared with individuals with an annual income of ¥10,000 or less, those with an annual income of ¥50,000 or more were also more likely to smoke (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI [1.15, 7.02]). Conclusions Among the Yi ethnic group, middle-aged people, married, widowed/divorced, individuals with an annual income of ≥¥50,000 should be prioritized for intervention to reduce tobacco use.