A nonlinear decomposition analysis of the rural-urban disparities in tobacco use among women in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The study demonstrates that rural-urban disparities in tobacco use among women are primarily shaped by inequalities in education and wealth. Interventions aimed at expanding educational opportunities and addressing poverty in rural communities could substantially reduce tobacco use. Additionally, tailored prevention and cessation strategies targeting women at both the lowest and highest ends of the socioeconomic spectrum are essential to mitigate disparities and advance tobacco control in sub-Saharan Africa.