Demographic, socio-economic, and the lifestyle risk factor of cigarette smoking associated with asthma in South African adults in 2017.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The current study aimed to explore demographic factors, socio-economic factors and modifiable risk factors, mainly cigarette smoking, and the influence they had on asthma among South African adults in the year 2017. The general objective of the study was to determine the relationship of these factors on asthma and the prevalence of asthma and cigarette smoking in 2017. The study used the theoretical framework in the context of the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health. The study was a quantitative research design that used the National Income Dynamics Survey dataset, wave 5 conducted in 2017 in South Africa. A sample of 15750 (aged 15-65) was used in this study, with 623 asthma diagnoses. The dependent variable was asthma and the independent variables were cigarette smoking, gender, age, race, marital status, employment status, geographic area, education attainment and household with per capita income. The results of the study confirmed significant associations between race, geographical area, education attainment and asthma. Coloureds and Whites were more likely to be diagnosed with asthma. Those residing in urban areas were more likely than those living in rural areas to have a asthma diagnosis. Those who attended Grade 10-11 and those with no matric were less likely to report been diagnosed with asthma. It was discovered that those who had a higher socio-economic standing may be less likely to have been diagnosed with asthma. Asthma is a major burden globally and has made its mark in South Africa. Controlling risk factors, along with the demographic and socio-economic risk factors will only help alleviate the exacerbations of the disease. Policies and health strategies have been put into place and should be practices on the daily to further treat and manage asthma. More studies on asthma should create an additional awareness and understanding of this non-communicable disease