Tobacco Habits, Lifestyle, and Reactions to Smoking Restrictions among Norwegian Military Officers

Abstract

A 1989 cross-sectional study revealed that Norwegian army and air force officers smoked considerably less than civilian men. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use, on the other hand, was higher than among civilians and similar to that of conscripted soldiers. Reactions to new smoking restrictions were largely neutral, but smokers were more negative than non-smokers. A majority of the officers reported low compliance with smoking regulations. Smokers generally belonged to the oldest cohorts and had less education, higher alcohol consumption, less physical activity, and more unhealthy dietary habits than the other subjects, whereas snuff use was more common among the youngest and more healthy officers. This indicates that the health hazards of prolonged snuff use are underestimated, and that this habit may gain increased popularity if nothing is done to prevent it. Intervention strategies are suggested.