THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF CIGARETTE SMOKING ON HOUSEHOLDS: THE CASE OF HARO DIBETOWN, ETHIOPIAN SOMALI REGION, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the socio economic impacts of cigarette smoking on households in Haro Dibe town, Afder Zone, Ethiopian Somali regional state. As part of specific objectives the study examined the economic impacts of cigarette smoking on households, assessed the social impacts of smoking cigarette on households and examined the impacts of smoking cigarette on smoker’s behavior in the household. To conduct the study quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed. Representative sample of households for interview schedule were drawn using non- probability sampling (purposive sampling method). Accordingly, from a total of 2986 households, 96 households were consulted to gather quantitative data by employing interview schedule. Qualitative data were collected using in- depth interview with 12 purposively selected informants and two focus group discussions (one with males and another one with females).These primary data were also supplemented by relevant secondary published and unpublished sources. While quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study, therefore, identified that more people in the town are cigarette smokers. As a result, the residents of the town are affected economically and socially by cigarette smoking in various ways. Hence these negative impacts calls for decisive roles of individuals, residents and the government (regional and national) to avoid or minimize the negative socio- economic impacts of cigarette smoking on residents (households).