Greater Odds Of Smoking Research Articles

Personality typologies of smokers and excessive drinkers: a cross-sectional survey of respondents in the BBC Lab UK Study

Background Several personality traits have been linked to addictive behaviours, including smoking and excessive drinking. We hypothesised that the combination of low conscientiousness, high extraversion and high neuroticism would be synergistically associated with smoking, excessive drinking and both behaviours combined. Methods Respondents aged 16+ years (N=363,454) were surveyed between 2009-2013 as part of the BBC Lab UK Study, with no restrictions on geographical location. Respondents provided information about sociodemographic characteristics, personality traits, and smoking and alcohol consumption. A series of multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results No significant three-way but significant two-way interactive effects were observed. The association of high extraversion with smoking was more pronounced in those with high (vs. low) conscientiousness (ORadj=1.51, 95% CI=1.46, 1.56, p<.001; ORadj=1.38, 95% CI=1.35, 1.42, p<.001). The association of high extraversion with excessive drinking was more pronounced in those with low (vs. high) conscientiousness (ORadj=1.70, 95% CI=1.67, 1.74, p<.001; ORadj=1.60, 95% CI=1.56, 1.63, p<.001). The association of high extraversion with both behaviours combined was more pronounced in those with high (vs. low) conscientiousness (ORadj=1.74, 95% CI=1.65, 1.83, p<.001; ORadj=1.62, 95% CI= 1.56, 1.68, p<.001). Results remained largely robust in sensitivity analyses. Conclusions In a large international survey, we identified two-way ‘personality typologies’ that are associated with greater odds of smoking, excessive drinking and both behaviours combined. The results may be useful for the tailoring of behaviour change interventions to at-risk individuals.

Cross-Sectional Associations of Screen Time Activities With Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption Among Brazilian Adolescents.

Objectives: Little is known about the association between specific types of screen time and adolescents' substance use. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the associations between screen time for studying, working, watching movies, playing games, and using social media and frequency of alcohol and tobacco use. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, Brazilian adolescents answered survey questions related to frequency of tobacco and alcohol consumption, and reported their daily volume of five types of screen time. Multilevel ordered logistic regression models were performed. Results: Each 1-hour increase in ST for studying was associated with 26% lower odds of smoking (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.61-0.90) and 17% lower odds of drinking alcohol (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.76-0.91) in the past 30days. The increase of 1hour of social media use was associated with 10% greater odds of smoking (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02-1.18) and a 13% greater chance of consuming alcohol (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.08-1.18) in the past 30days. Conclusion: The association between screen time and substance use appears to be type-specific. Future longitudinal research is needed to explore causal relationships.

Personality typologies of smokers and excessive drinkers: a cross-sectional survey of respondents in the BBC Lab UK Study.

Several personality traits have been linked to addictive behaviours, including smoking and excessive drinking. We hypothesised that the combination of low conscientiousness, high extraversion and high neuroticism would be synergistically associated with smoking, excessive drinking and both behaviours combined. Respondents aged 16+ years ( N=363,454) were surveyed between 2009-2013 as part of the BBC Lab UK Study, with no restrictions on geographical location. Respondents provided information about sociodemographic characteristics, personality traits, and smoking and alcohol consumption. A series of multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. No significant three-way but significant two-way interactive effects were observed. The association of high extraversion with smoking was more pronounced in those with high (vs. low) conscientiousness (OR adj=1.51, 95% CI=1.46, 1.56, p<.001; OR adj=1.38, 95% CI=1.35, 1.42, p<.001). The association of high extraversion with excessive drinking was more pronounced in those with low (vs. high) conscientiousness (OR adj=1.70, 95% CI=1.67, 1.74, p<.001; OR adj=1.60, 95% CI=1.56, 1.63, p<.001). The association of high extraversion with both behaviours combined was more pronounced in those with high (vs. low) conscientiousness (OR adj=1.74, 95% CI=1.65, 1.83, p<.001; OR adj=1.62, 95% CI= 1.56, 1.68, p<.001). Results remained largely robust in sensitivity analyses. In a large international survey, we identified two-way 'personality typologies' that are associated with greater odds of smoking, excessive drinking and both behaviours combined. The results may be useful for the tailoring of behaviour change interventions to at-risk individuals.

Impairments, health conditions and health risk behaviors: occurrence and associations, in the National Health Survey, Brazil, 2019.

To analyze association of visual, hearing, mental/intellectual, physical and multiple impairments with health conditions and health risk behaviors in Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study, using data from the 2019 National Health Survey; associations between impairments and presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), high cholesterol, alcohol abuse and smoking were estimated using logistic regression, thus obtaining the odds ratios (OR). Impairment was reported by 7.6% of the 90,846 participants. Having a impairment was associated with greater odds of reporting chronic conditions, especially CVD (OR = 2.11; 95%CI 1.76;2.54) and DM (OR = 1.78; 95%CI 1.56;2.02 ); visual impairment was associated with greater odds of smoking (OR = 1.52; 95%CI 1.28;1.81); mental/intellectual impairment was inversely related to smoking (OR = 0.45; 95%CI 0.30;0.67) and alcohol abuse (OR = 0.13; 95%CI 0.06;0.26). Having any of the impairments studied may be associated with greater odds of having chronic health conditions. Positive association was identified between having one or more impairments, and health conditions and health risk behaviors. The higher the prevalence of mental/intellectual, physical and multiple impairments, the lower alcohol abuse and smoking. As this population is vulnerable to chronic health conditions, health services need strategies to reduce barriers to access, as well as health promotion actions, such as health education, adapted for people with impairments. Topics for future studies, examining the inverse relationship between impairments and alcohol abuse and smoking, in addition to acting on the causal chain, so as to prevent health conditions and health risk behaviors.

Personality typologies of smokers and excessive drinkers: a cross-sectional survey of respondents in the BBC Lab UK Study

Background: Several personality traits have been linked to addictive behaviours, including smoking and excessive drinking. We hypothesised that the combination of low conscientiousness, high extraversion and high neuroticism would be synergistically associated with smoking, excessive drinking and both behaviours combined. Methods: Respondents aged 16+ years (N=363,454) were surveyed between 2009-2013 as part of the BBC Lab UK Study, with no restrictions on geographical location. Respondents provided information about sociodemographic characteristics, personality traits, and smoking and alcohol consumption. A series of multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: No significant three-way but significant two-way interactive effects were observed. The association of high extraversion with smoking was more pronounced in those with high (vs. low) conscientiousness (ORadj=1.51, 95% CI=1.46, 1.56, p&lt;.001; ORadj=1.38, 95% CI=1.35, 1.42, p&lt;.001). The association of high extraversion with excessive drinking was more pronounced in those with low (vs. high) conscientiousness (ORadj=1.70, 95% CI=1.67, 1.74, p&lt;.001; ORadj=1.60, 95% CI=1.56, 1.63, p&lt;.001). The association of high extraversion with both behaviours combined was more pronounced in those with high (vs. low) conscientiousness (ORadj=1.74, 95% CI=1.65, 1.83, p&lt;.001; ORadj=1.62, 95% CI= 1.56, 1.68, p&lt;.001). Results remained largely robust in sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: In a large international survey, we identified two-way ‘personality typologies’ that are associated with greater odds of smoking, excessive drinking and both behaviours combined. The results may be useful for the tailoring of behaviour change interventions to at-risk individuals.

Social Isolation as a Risk Factor for Cigarette Smoking in Older Adults

Objective: This study examined the prevalence of social isolation and cigarette smoking in a national sample of community-dwelling older adults, and assessed the role of social isolation on the risk of cigarette smoking. Methods: Using data from 8,044 participants (age 65+ years) across two waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), we analyzed the prevalence of social isolation in older adults and as a risk factor for cigarette smoking. Social isolation was measured across 4 relationship domains (Cudjoe, 2018) on a scale of 0 to 4, using objective measures of social interactions. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess how social isolation is associated with smoking. Results: Preliminary results showed that 18.2% of older adults were socially isolated (3.5% severely isolated) and 7.1% of participants reported current smoking. We found that both social isolation (OR = 2.5, p<.001) and severe isolation (OR = 5.9, p<.001) increased the odds of smoking. Also, older adults with depression (OR = 1.6, p<.01) and dual-eligible beneficiaries (Medicare and Medicaid) with TRICARE coverage (OR = 4.6, p<.05) had greater odds of smoking. However, we did not find evidence that the odds of smoking varied significantly by the number of chronic conditions. Conclusion: Social isolation is associated with an increased risk of cigarette smoking among older adults. Smoking may be an important behavior in the pathway between social isolation and its association with morbidity and mortality.

Moderating effect of loneliness on the relationship of housing instability and food insecurity with smoking behavior

ABSTRACT Loneliness is a public health concern associated with individuals adopting various coping mechanisms to counter stressors. Stressors like social determinants of health (SDoH) risks (housing, food) have been associated with smoking. This study examines the role of loneliness on the relationship of SDoH risks with smoking. A cross-sectional study utilizing 2019 Ohio Medicaid Assessment Survey data was conducted. Multiple weighted logistic regressions were conducted to analyze the associations of loneliness and SDoH risks with smoking. Also, two models tested for the independent moderating effect of loneliness with food insecurity and housing instability on smoking. Of the 29,495 individuals who completed the loneliness questionnaire, 18% were identified as being lonely. Also, 20% and 16% of respondents reported food insecurity and housing instability respectively. Food insecurity (OR=2.10; CI=1.87–2.35), housing instability (OR=1.50; OR=1.33–1.68), and loneliness (OR=1.43; CI=1.27–1.60) were associated with greater odds of smoking. Loneliness buffered the relationship between housing instability and smoking behavior (ORinteraction=1.37; CI=1.06–1.78). In conclusion, SDoH risks and loneliness are associated with smoking. Loneliness has a moderating effect on the relationship between housing instability and smoking. These findings highlight the complex relationship of factors associated with smoking. A multi-faceted approach involving providers, health systems, local organizations, and payers is necessary.

Prevalence and Trends in Smoking Among Surgical Patients in Michigan, 2012-2019

Surgery is a teachable moment, and smoking cessation interventions that coincide with an episode of surgical care are especially effective. Implementing these interventions at a large scale requires understanding the prevalence and characteristics of smoking among surgical patients. To describe the prevalence of smoking in a population of patients undergoing common surgical procedures and to identify any clinical or demographic characteristics associated with smoking. This cross-sectional study included all adult patients (aged ≥18 years) in a statewide registry who underwent general and vascular surgical procedures from 2012 to 2019 at 70 hospitals in Michigan. Data analysis was conducted from August to October 2020. Undergoing a surgical procedure in any of the following categories: appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colon procedures, gastric or esophageal procedures, hepatopancreatobiliary procedures, hernia repair, small-bowel procedures, hysterectomy, vascular procedures, thyroidectomy, and other unspecific abdominal procedures. The prevalence of smoking prior to surgery, defined as cigarette use in the year prior to surgery, obtained from medical record review. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to analyze smoking prevalence based on insurance type and year of surgery while adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, including age, sex, race/ethnicity (determined from the medical record), insurance type, geographic region, comorbidities (ie, hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic steroid use, and obstructive sleep apnea), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, admission status, surgical priority, procedure type, and year of surgery. From 2012 to 2019, 328 578 patients underwent surgery and were included in analysis. Mean (SD) age was 54.0 (17.0) years, and 197 501 patients (60.1%) were women. The overall prevalence of smoking was 24.1% (79 152 patients). Prevalence varied regionally from 21.5% (95% CI, 21.0%-21.9%; 6686 of 31 172 patients) in southeast Michigan to 28.0% (95% CI, 27.1%-28.9%; 2696 of 9614 patients) in northeast Michigan. When adjusting for clinical and demographic factors, there were greater odds of smoking among patients with Medicaid (odds ratio [OR], 2.75; 95% CI, 2.69-2.82) and patients without insurance (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 2.10-2.33) compared with patients with private insurance. Among procedure categories, patients undergoing vascular surgery had greater odds of smoking (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 3.11-3.38) than those undergoing cholecystectomy. Compared with 2012, the adjusted odds of smoking decreased significantly each year (eg, 2019: OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74-0.81). In 2019, the adjusted prevalence of smoking was 22.3% (95% CI, 22.0%-22.7%) among all patients, 43.0% (95% CI, 42.4%-43.6%) among patients with Medicaid, and 36.3% (95% CI, 35.2%-37.4%) among patients without insurance. In a statewide population of surgical patients, nearly one-quarter of patients smoked cigarettes, which is higher than the national average. The prevalence of smoking was especially high among patients without insurance and among those receiving Medicaid. Given the established association between undergoing a major surgical procedure and health behavior change, targeted smoking cessation interventions at the time of surgery may be an effective strategy to improve population health, especially among at-risk patient groups.

Demographic Moderators of the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Cigarette Smoking

Background: Research suggests that there is a dose–response relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and cigarette smoking, such that as ACE score increases, so do the odds of smoking behavior, but little is known about what factors moderate this relationship. Objectives: The goal of this study was to examine demographic characteristics as potential moderators of relationship between ACE score and cigarette smoking. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2013 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. The sample included 2,604 U.S. adults (54.8% female; Age: M = 53.3, SD = 8.10). We used multinomial logistic regression to test sex, race, income, and education as moderators of the relationship between ACE score and smoking. Results: ACEs were not significantly associated with smoking behavior. No interactions between ACE score and sex, race, education, or income significantly predicted smoking outcomes. Sex, race, education, and income were significantly and independently associated with smoking outcomes. Men, individuals with lower income and education, and certain ethnic/racial groups reported greater odds of smoking. Conclusions/Importance: Results suggest that there may not be a relationship between ACEs and smoking later in life. Additionally, the relationship between ACEs and smoking in adulthood may not depend on basic demographic features. Knowing which populations are more vulnerable to smoking can help clinicians better assess and tailor interventions to meet the needs of their patients by using culturally sensitive interventions and obtaining resources to help improve treatment access, motivation, and success.

Demographic, Behavioral, and Social Characteristics Associated With Smoking and Vaping Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in San Francisco.

Tobacco use is the leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the United States. We analyzed correlates of smoking and vaping tobacco in the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Francisco in 2014 (n = 410) using multivariable logistic regression models. We found that more than two in five MSM (41%) smoked or vaped. Smoking was greater for men of color (46% vs. 35%; p = .02); those with annual income below $50,000 (47% vs. 34%; p = .01); those without a college education (51% vs. 30%; p < .01); and the uninsured (55% vs. 38%; p = .04). In multivariable analyses, greater odds of smoking were observed among men living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.7; 95% CI [1.00, 2.8]); men who reported cocaine use (aOR = 3.1; 95% CI [1.9, 5.0]), and men who reported greater number of alcohol drinks on a drinking day (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI [1.05, 1.29]). Lower odds of smoking were observed for men who completed college (aOR = 0.57; 95% CI [0.36, 0.88]). Greater odds of vaping were observed among men who reported meth use (aOR = 3.01; 95% CI [1.65, 5.50]). Lower odds of vaping were observed among men who completed college (aOR = 0.55; 95% CI [0.32, 0.98]). In conclusion, the prevalence of smoking and vaping among MSM is extremely high, particularly HIV-positive MSM. MSM who smoked and vaped were more likely to be racial and ethnic minorities, have lower socioeconomic status, and report more substance and alcohol use. These findings highlight the need to develop strategies effectively addressing the high rates of cigarette smoking and vaping among MSM, particularly among minority MSM and MSM living with HIV.

Effects of work-related factors on self-reported smoking among female workers in call centers: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study conducted to investigate work-related factors in relation to smoking among women working in call centers in Gwangju, South Korea.MethodsFrom 56 call centers (7320 employees), we selected 10 and conducted a survey using a structured questionnaire by randomly selecting 10% of workers from each center. A total of 387 subjects participated in this survey We analyzed for 375 respondents, after excluding men and those with missing responses. We analyzed the relationships of work-related factors such as emotional labor, workplace violence, employment type, annual salary, working hours, employment period with smoking, using multiple logistic regression analysis. Emotional labor and workplace violence were measured using the Korean Emotional Labor Scale (K-ELS) and Korean Workplace Violence Scale (K-WVS).ResultsThe prevalence of current smoking among call center female workers was 13.6%. Univariate analysis showed that “Emotional disharmony and hurt”, “Experience of psychological and sexual violence from supervisors and co-workers” among items of K-ELS and K-WVS, working hours, annual salary correlated with smoking. After adjusting for emotional labor, workplace violence, employment type, annual salary, working hours, employment period, and age, only working hours show a significant association with smoking. Women who worked 40–49 h had 3.50 times (95% CI = 1.04–11.80) and worked more than 50 h had 8.68 times (95% CI = 1.89–39.78) greater odds of smoking as compared with women who worked less than 40 h.ConclusionsSmoking was associated with working hours among female workers in call center. However, emotional labor and workplace violence did not show significant relationships with smoking.

Bars, Nightclubs, and Cancer Prevention: New Approaches to Reduce Young Adult Cigarette Smoking

IntroductionTobacco contributes to multiple cancers, and it is largely preventable. As overall smoking prevalence in California declines, smoking has become concentrated among high-risk groups. Targeting social/cultural groups (i.e., “peer crowds”) that share common values, aspirations, and activities in social venues like bars and nightclubs may reach high-risk young adult smokers. Lack of population data on young adult peer crowds limits the ability to assess the potential reach of such interventions.MethodsThis multimodal population-based household survey included young adults residing in San Francisco and Alameda counties. Data were collected in 2014 and analyzed in 2016. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed smoking by sociodemographic factors, attitudes, self-rated health, peer crowd affiliation, and bar/nightclub attendance.ResultsSmoking prevalence was 15.1% overall; 35.3% of respondents sometimes or frequently attended bars. In controlled analyses, bar attendance (AOR=2.13, 95% CI=1.00, 4.53) and binge drinking (AOR=3.17, 95% CI=1.59, 6.32) were associated with greater odds of smoking, as was affiliation with “Hip Hop” (AOR=4.32, 95% CI=1.48, 12.67) and “Country” (AOR=3.13, 95% CI=1.21, 8.09) peer crowds. Multivariable models controlling for demographics estimated a high probability of smoking among bar patrons affiliating with Hip Hop (47%) and Country (52%) peer crowds.ConclusionsBar attendance and affiliation with certain peer crowds confers significantly higher smoking risk. Interventions targeting Hip Hop and Country peer crowds could efficiently reach smokers, and peer crowd–tailored interventions have been associated with decreased smoking and binge drinking. Targeted interventions in bars and nightclubs may be an efficient way to address these cancer risks.

Current and past smoking patterns in a Central European urban population: a cross-sectional study in a high-burden country.

BackgroundMany studies have examined the socioeconomic variations in smoking and quitting rates across the European region; however, data from Central and East European countries, where the tobacco burden is especially high, are sparse. This study aimed to assess the patterns in current and past smoking prevalence based on cross-sectional data from a Central European urban population sample.MethodsData from 2160 respondents aged 25–64 years in Brno, Czech Republic were collected in 2013–2014 using the Czech post-MONICA survey questionnaire to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking status. The age- and sex-stratified randomized sample was drawn using health insurance registries. Descriptive statistics and quit ratios were calculated, and chi-square and multivariate logistic analyses conducted to examine relationships between current and past smoking and demographic (age, gender, marital status) and socioeconomic variables (education, income, occupation).ResultsThe prevalence of current and past smoking was 23.6 and 31.3 % among men and 20.5 and 23.2 % among women, respectively. Education reliably predicted smoking and quitting rates in both genders. Among men, being unemployed was associated with greater odds of smoking (OR 3.6; 1.6–8.1) and lower likelihood of quitting (OR 0.2: 0.1–0.6); the likelihood of quitting also increased with age (OR 1.8; 1.2–2.8). Among women, marital status (being married) decreased the odds of current smoking (OR 0.6; 0.4–0.9) and increased the odds of quitting (OR 2.2; 1.2–3.9). Quit ratios were the lowest in the youngest age group (25–34 years) where quitting was more strongly associated with middle income (OR 2.7; 95 % CI 1.2–5.9) than with higher education (OR 2.9; 95 % CI 0.9–8.2).ConclusionsInterventions to increase cessation rates and reduce smoking prevalence need to be gender-specific and carefully tailored to the needs of the disadvantaged groups of the population, especially the less well-off young adults. Future studies should examine the equity impact of the tobacco control policies and be inclusive of the Central and East European countries.

Early childhood social disadvantage is associated with poor health behaviours in adulthood

Background: Individual health behaviours are considered important risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. These behaviours may be socially patterned by early exposure to social disadvantage, but few studies have prospectively tested this hypothesis empirically.Aim: This study investigated whether childhood social disadvantage was associated with likelihood of engaging in less healthy behaviours 40 years later.Subjects and methods: Prospective data were analysed from the New England Family Study, a 2005–2007 adult follow-up of a cohort initiated in 1959–1966 (n = 565). Childhood social environment (age 7 years) was assessed using a cumulative index of socioeconomic and family stability factors. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between social disadvantage and each health-related behaviour and obesity in adulthood.Results: Relative to low disadvantage, higher disadvantage was associated with 3.6-fold greater odds of smoking (95% CI = 1.9–7.0), 4.8-fold greater odds (in women only) of excess alcohol consumption (95% CI = 1.6–14.2) and 2.7-fold greater odds of obesity (95% CI = 1.3–5.5), but was not associated with unhealthy diet or physical inactivity.Conclusion: These findings suggest childhood social disadvantage may contribute to adult cardiometabolic disease by predisposing children to adopt certain unhealthy behaviours. If replicated, such findings may support intervention strategies that target social environmental factors and behavioural pathways that are established early in life.

Smoking during Pregnancy: Findings from the 2009–2010 Canadian Community Health Survey

ObjectivesSmoking during pregnancy may cause many health problems for pregnant women and their newborns. However, there is a paucity of research that has examined the predictors of smoking during pregnancy in Canada. This study used data from the 2009–2010 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) to estimate the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy and examine the demographic, socioeconomic, health-related and behavioral determinants of this behavior.Methods and FindingsThe data were obtained from the 2009–2010 CCHS master data file. Weighted estimates of the prevalence were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine demographic, socioeconomic, health related and behavioral characteristics associated with smoking behavior during pregnancy. Women living in the Northern Territories had a high rate of smoking during pregnancy (59.3%). The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was also high among women under 25 years old, of low socioeconomic status, who reported not having a regular medical doctor, being fair to poor in self-perceived health, having at least one chronic disease, having at least one mental illness, being heavy smokers, and being regular alcohol drinkers. Results from multivariable logistic regression revealed that the odds of smoking during pregnancy were decreased with increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91–0.99), having a regular family doctor [OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11–0.52], having highest level of family income [OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.03–0.29]. Mothers who reported poor or fair self-perceived health [OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 0.96–4.71] and those who had at least one mental illness [OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.00–3.28] had greater odds of smoking during pregnancy.ConclusionsThere are a number of demographic, socio-economic, health-related and behavioral characteristics that should be considered in developing and implementing effective population health promotional strategies to prevent smoking during pregnancy, promoting health and well-being of pregnant women and their newborns.

Risk of Smoking and Receipt of Cessation Services Among Veterans With Mental Disorders

The purpose of this study was to determine rates of smoking and receipt of provider recommendations to quit smoking among patients with mental disorders treated in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) treatment settings. The authors conducted a secondary analysis of the yearly, cross-sectional 2007 Veterans Health Administration Outpatient Survey of Healthcare Experiences of Patients (N=224,193). Logistic regression was used to determine the independent association of mental health diagnosis and the dependent variables of smoking and receipt of provider recommendations to quit smoking. Patients with mental disorders had greater odds of smoking, compared with those without mental disorders (p<.05). Those with various mental disorders reported similar rates of receiving services (more than 60% to 80% reported receiving selected services), compared with those without these disorders, except that those with schizophrenia had more than 30% lower odds of receiving advice to quit smoking from their physicians (p<.05). Moreover, those who had co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder or substance use disorders had significantly greater odds of reporting that they received advice to quit, recommendations for medications, and physician discussions of quitting methods, compared with those without these disorders (p<.05). Older patients, male patients, members of ethnic minority groups, those who were unmarried, those who were disabled or unemployed, and those living in rural areas had lower odds of receiving selected services (p<.05). The majority of patients with mental disorders served by the VA reported receiving cessation services, yet their smoking rates remained high, and selected groups were at risk for receiving fewer cessation services, suggesting the continued need to disseminate cessation services.

Adult Health Behaviors Over the Life Course by Sexual Orientation

We estimated differences in health behaviors among adults by sexual orientation. We pooled 4 years of data (2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007) from the California Health Interview Survey. We estimated the frequency of smoking, alcohol use, healthy dietary behaviors, physical activity, and health care utilization, and we used logistic regression modeling to determine the odds of each behavior with increasing age and for 2 age groups: younger than 50 years and 50 years old or older. At any adult age, lesbians had greater odds of smoking and binge drinking than did heterosexual women, and gay and bisexual men had greater health care utilization than did heterosexual men. Other risk behaviors differed with age. Some behavioral change interventions should target lesbians, gays, and bisexuals at all ages, whereas other interventions should specifically target individuals at younger ages.

Risk-Taking Behaviors of Adolescents With Extreme Obesity: Normative or Not?

Present first published data detailing high-risk behaviors of adolescent high school students (HSS) with extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 99th percentile for age and gender) compared with healthy weight peers (5th-84th percentile). The 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey was used to compare HSS with extreme obesity (N = 410) and healthy weight peers (N = 8669) in their engagement in (1) tobacco use, (2) alcohol/other drug use, (3) high-risk sexual behaviors, and (4) suicidal behaviors. Logistic regression was used to calculate gender-stratified odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), controlling for age and race. HSS with extreme obesity were similar to healthy weight peers in the prevalence of most behaviors related to alcohol/drug use, high-risk sexual activities, and suicide, with the following exceptions: relative to healthy weight HSS, both male and female students with extreme obesity more frequently reported ever trying cigarettes (female students, adjusted OR: 2.0 [95% CI: 1.3-3.2]; male students, OR: 1.5 [CI: 1.2-2.0]). Compared with healthy weight female students, female students with extreme obesity had lower odds of ever having sex (OR: 0.5 [CI: 0.3-0.9]), but greater odds of drinking alcohol/using drugs before their last sexual encounter (OR: 4.6 [CI: 1.2-17.6]), currently smoking (OR: 2.3 [CI: 1.2-4.4]), and using smokeless tobacco (OR: 4.6 [CI: 1.2-17.2]). Compared with healthy weight male students, male students with extreme obesity had greater odds of smoking before age 13 (OR: 1.4 [CI: 1.0-2.0]). With few exceptions, HSS with extreme obesity engage in high-risk behaviors at rates comparable with healthy weight peers, sometimes in even more dangerous ways. Health care providers should assess risk-taking behaviors in this cohort.

Demographic, psychosocial, and contextual correlates of tobacco use in sexual minority women

Demographic, psychosocial, and contextual correlates of tobacco use among sexual minority women (SMW) were assessed using data from a larger lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) study. Of the 171 participants, 42% (n = 71) were smokers. However, 61% of smokers reported a recent quit attempt, and 39% were taking action toward or planning to quit. In multivariable logistic regression, lack of insurance, frequent attendance at LGBT bars, greater awareness of anti-smoking messages, and fewer perceived deterrents to smoking were associated with greater odds of smoking. Our findings provide additional support for elevated smoking rates among SMW and help to identify factors associated with smoking in this population. Awareness of prevention campaigns, recent quit attempts, and intention to quit were high, suggesting opportunities for smoking cessation.

Area deprivation, individual socioeconomic position and smoking among women in South Korea

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to examine how area deprivation and individual socioeconomic position affect smoking among women using national survey data.MethodsSmoking and individual sociodemographic characteristics were gathered from...