Abstract
BackgroundResearch on quality of life QOL is limited in Brazil and few studies have examined the association between smoking status and quality of life. This study addresses this gap and also examines the association between smoking, nicotine dependence, and duration of smoking cessation on (QOL) among older adults in an urban area in Brazil.MethodsData are from a household survey conducted in urban areas of Uberaba, Brazil, in 2012 (n = 980). Multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate the association between smoking, nicotine dependence based on Fageström test, and smoking cessation on the World Health Organization Quality of Life WHOQOL-BREF and Quality of Life Assessment for Older Adults WHOQOL-OLD.ResultsThe mean age of older adults in the study was 74.0 (SD = 6.9 years) and 64% of participants were women. The majority, 55% had never smoked, 12.4% were current smokers, and 32.7% were past-smokers. Current smokers had lower scores for social participation (β = − 2.6) and intimacy (β = − 3.8) than never smokers. Smokers with high or very high dependence reported higher levels of fear and concern about death and pain before death than those with low or very low dependence (β = − 10.6). However, smokers with medium levels of nicotine dependence had higher scores on social relationship. Longer cessation time was positively associated with higher scores for psychological health.ConclusionsExcept for the positive association between medium levels of nicotine dependence and better social relationships, smoking and higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with worse QOL among older adults in Brazil. Nonetheless, smoking cessation had positive effects in QOL. Campaigns targeting older adults should point to the negative impact of tobacco use on QOL and the benefits of smoking cessation.
Highlights
Research on quality of life QOL is limited in Brazil and few studies have examined the association between smoking status and quality of life
Since research on QOL is limited in Brazil, few studies have examined the association between smoking status and QOL [14,15,16]
We address this gap in the literature by examining the associations between smoking, nicotine dependence, and duration of smoking cessation on QOL among older adults in an urban area in Brazil
Summary
Research on quality of life QOL is limited in Brazil and few studies have examined the association between smoking status and quality of life. The Brazilian population aged 60 and over is expected to grow almost four-fold in the 50 years from 19.6 million in 2010 to 73.5 million by 2060 [1] This change is associated with changes in quality of life (QOL) including, but not limited to, a greater prevalence of chronic conditions and disability. Previous studies in Brazil have not included measures of nicotine dependence, even though nicotine addiction varies among smokers and differential exposure to smoking can cause serious dysfunction in the body, leading to functional disability and a lower QOL [17] We address this gap in the literature by examining the associations between smoking, nicotine dependence, and duration of smoking cessation on QOL among older adults in an urban area in Brazil. This study uses the Quality of Life Assessment for Older Adults WHOQOL-OLD, which is a measure of QOL developed for older adults to examine the QOL among older adults, in addition to the World Health Organization Quality of Life WHOQOL-BREF, which has been previously used [18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
