Browsing by Author "Christopher K. Haddock"

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Factors Influencing Cigarette Smoking Among Police and Costs of an Officer Smoking in the Workplace at Nsambya Barracks, Uganda
(Tobacco Prevention & Cessation, 2020-01-06) Robert Basaza; Mable M. Kukunda; Emmanuel Otieno; Elizabeth Kyasiimire; Hafisa Lukwata; Christopher K. Haddock
INTRODUCTION Studies in several countries indicate that being a police officer is a risk factor for tobacco use. Currently, no such studies have been performed among police officers in Uganda, or in Africa generally. The aim of this study is to assess prevalence and costs of smoking among Ugandan police officers. METHODS A multistage survey model was employed to sample police officers (n=349) that included an observational cross-sectional survey and an annual cost-analysis approach. The study setting was confined to Nsambya Police Barracks, in Kampala city. RESULTS Police officers smoke 4.8 times higher than the general public (25.5% vs 5.3%). Risk factors included lower age, higher education and working in guard and general duties units. The findings show that the annual cost of smoking due to productivity loss could be up to US$5.521 million and US$57.316 million for excess healthcare costs. These costs represent 45.1% of the UGX514.7 billion (in Ugandan Shillings, or about US$139.1 million) national police budget in the fiscal year 2018–19 and is equivalent to 0.24% of Uganda’s annual gross domestic product (GDP). CONCLUSIONS Considering these data, prevalence of smoking among police officers are dramatically higher than in the general population. Consequently, smoking in police officers exerts a large burden on healthcare and productivity costs. This calls for comprehensive tobacco control measures designed to reduce smoking in the workplace so as to fit the specific needs of the Ugandan Police Force.
Factors Influencing Cigarette Smoking Among Soldiers and Costs of Soldier Smoking in the Work Place at Kakiri Barracks
(HHS Public Access, 2017-05) Robert Basaza; Emmanuel Otieno; Ambrose Musinguzi; Possy Mugyenyi; Christopher K. Haddock
Background: Although Uganda has a relatively low prevalence of smoking, no data exists on cigarette use among military personnel. Studies in other countries suggests military service is a risk factor for tobacco use. Objectives: To assess prevalence and risk factors for and costs of smoking among military personnel assigned to a large military facility in Uganda. Design: A mixed methods study including focus groups, interviews, and a cross-sectional survey of military personnel. Setting: Kakiri Barracks, Uganda Subjects: Key informants and focus group participants were purposively selected based on the objectives of the study, military rank and job categories. A multi stage sample design was used to survey individuals serving in Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) from June-November 2014 for the survey (n = 310). Results: Participants in the qualitative portion of the study reported that smoking was harmful to health and the national economy and that its use was increasing among UPDF personnel. Survey results suggested that smoking rates in the military were substantially higher than in the general public (i.e., 34.8% vs. 5.3%). Significant predictors of smoking included lower education, younger age, having close friends who smoked and a history of military deployment. Estimated costs of smoking due to lost productivity was US$576,229 and US$212,400 for excess healthcare costs. Conclusion: Smoking rates are substantially higher in the UPDF compared to the general public and results in significant productivity costs. Interventions designed to reduce smoking among UPDF personnel should be included in the country’s national tobacco control plan.