Objective

To estimate the links between smoking and employment conditions in a department of the coffee-triangle region.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were men and women older than 15 years residing in the municipalities of Risaralda. They agreed to complete a survey asking about the characteristics of tobacco consumption and socioeconomic status, in 2017.

Results

A total of 4 157 participants were surveyed. The smoking prevalence in Risaralda was 11,5%. Underemployment had a significant association with smoking (p<0,05 OR:1,51 CI95%: 1,18-1,94). Statistical significance was found when adjusting smoking by age and sex, whereas unemployment had over three times greater odds for smoking (OR:3,10, CI95%: 2,03-4,73).

Conclusion

This study finds that underemployment is a risk factor for smoking. This statement should be considered to the future assessment of the tobacco control policies in the region, particularly for vulnerable population. The employment conditions could explain the boundaries at the tobacco control policies in the population.