title: Smoking prevalence in a factory in the region of Sousse- Tunisia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Smoking is a public health problem because of its high prevalence and its serious consequences at all levels.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of smoking among workers in a private company and describe the characteristics of smokers to guide prevention efforts.
  
  
  METHODS
  It is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2010 among all employees of a private company. Data collection was done by a questionnaire administered by interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The participation rate was 90.4%. All smokers were men, with a prevalence of active smoking among men of 57.9%. The mean age of smokers was 33.2 ± 8 years, significantly lower than nonsmokers. The comparison between smokers and nonsmokers according to occupational category showed a statistically significant difference. Among smokers, 43.6% were in the contemplation stage and 46.3% at the stage of preparation for smoking cessation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An intervention for prevention and fight against smoking in the workplace should be established for the promotion of employee health.
authors.forename: Jihene
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maatoug
authors.forename: Nabiha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bouafia
authors.forename: Souad
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amimi
authors.forename: Jihene
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sahli
authors.forename: Sana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhiri
authors.forename: Nawel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zammit
authors.forename: Mounir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saadi
authors.forename: Hassen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ghannem