Tobacco smoking during the coronavirus pandemic in the older adults from Lombardy region

Abstract

Introduction Given the strong impact of the pandemic on smoking habits and psychological well-being in the Italian general population, it is important to analyze those effects also in the older adults, as they represent the demographic segment most affected by the pandemic. However, to date, the scientific evidence on the issue is still limited. Methods In November 2020, a telephone based cross-sectional survey was conducted on a representative sample of 4,400 older adults (aged 65 and over) from Lombardy region, northern Italy. Compared to the previous year, we evaluated changes in smoking habits and psychological well-being, through validated scales. Through unconditional multiple logistic models, we also assessed whether smoking was a determinant of poor psychological well-being and its deterioration during the pandemic. Results No changes in smoking prevalence were observed in the older adults. Compared to never smokers, smoking resulted a determinant of poor sleep quality (odds ratio, OR = 1.45; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.10-1.92), of presence of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.36-2.62), of anxiety (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.10-1.92), and hopelessness (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.14-1.96). During the pandemic, being a smoker resulted a determinant of reducing sleep quantity (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.02-1.83) and increasing (or starting) using psychotropic drugs (OR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.16-2.96). Conclusions In the older adult population from Lombardy region, smoking habits did not change substantially during the pandemic, but tobacco smoking deteriorated psychological well-being. During emergency periods, the safeguard of psychological well-being is an additional reason to encourage smoking cessation.