Smoking Practices Research Articles

Reconciling Parenting and Smoking in the Context of Child Development

In this article we explore the micro-social context of parental tobacco use in the first years of a child's life and early childhood. We conducted individual interviews with 28 mothers and fathers during the 4 years following the birth of their child. Using grounded theory methods, we identified the predominant explanatory concept in parents' accounts as the need to reconcile being a parent and smoking. Desires to become smoke-free coexisted with five types of parent-child interactions: (a) protecting the defenseless child, (b) concealing smoking and cigarettes from the mimicking child, (c) reinforcing smoking as bad with the communicative child, (d) making guilt-driven promises to the fearful child, and (e) relinquishing personal responsibility to the autonomous child. We examine the agency of the child in influencing parents' smoking practices, the importance of children's observational learning in the early years, and the reciprocal nature of parent-child interactions related to parents' smoking behavior.

Prenatal tobacco smoke exposure, risk of schizophrenia, and severity of positive/negative symptoms

Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke causes chronic fetal hypoxia, dysregulation of endocrine equilibrium, and disruption of fetal neurodevelopment associated with brain malfunction, all of which potentially could induce vulnerability to schizophrenia. A total of 212 schizophrenia patients aged 14–30years, and 212 matched controls were studied. Prenatal tobacco smoke exposure of the schizophrenia patients was compared to that of the normal controls by applying logistic regression analysis and controlling for several confounding factors. The outcomes of interest were comparison of the frequency of maternal and paternal smoking between patients and controls, as well as the severity of positive and negative symptoms between the offspring of smoking and nonsmoking parents. Among the mothers of schizophrenia patients and controls, 92 (43.4%) and 46 (21.7%) smoked, respectively. Maternal smoking during pregnancy had a significant unique contribution on increasing the risk for development of schizophrenia (p=0.001), and a greater severity of negative symptoms (p=0.023). Paternal smoking did not have a significant effect on the risk of schizophrenia, or severity of negative symptoms. The findings suggest that maternal smoking during pregnancy puts offspring at an increased risk for later schizophrenia, with increased severity of negative symptoms. Given the wide practice of smoking during pregnancy, fetal exposure to tobacco smoke could be a major preventable neurodevelopmental factor that increases vulnerability to schizophrenia.

Public Place Smoke-Free Regulations, Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Related Beliefs, Awareness, Attitudes, and Practices among Chinese Urban Residents

Objective: To evaluate the association between smoke-free regulations in public places and secondhand smoke exposure and related beliefs, awareness, attitudes, and behavior among urban residents in China. Methods: We selected one city (Hangzhou) as the intervention city and another (Jiaxing) as the comparison. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, and implemented at two time points across a 20-month interval. Both unadjusted and adjusted logistic methods were considered in analyses. Multiple regression procedures were performed in examining variation between final and baseline measures. Results: Smoke-free regulations in the intervention city were associated with a significant decline in personal secondhand smoke exposure in government buildings, buses or taxis, and restaurants, but there was no change in such exposure in healthcare facilities and schools. In terms of personal smoking beliefs, awareness, attitudes, and practices, the only significant change was in giving quitting advice to proximal family members. Conclusions: There was a statistically significant association between implementation of smoke-free regulations in a city and inhibition of secondhand tobacco smoking exposure in public places. However, any such impact was limited. Effective tobacco control in China will require comprehensive laws implemented fully and supported by penalties and a combination of strong public health education.

Vegan lifestyle behaviors. An exploration of congruence with health-related beliefs and assessed health indices

This study aimed to investigate health belief as a major motive for diet and lifestyle behaviors of 100 vegans in the United States; and to determine congruence with selected health and nutrition outcomes. Response data from an administered questionnaire was analyzed. Statistical analyses determined the most common factors influencing diet choice; the number of vegans practicing particular lifestyle behaviors; body mass index; and prevalence of self-reported chronic disease diagnoses. Nutrient intakes were analyzed and assessed against Dietary Reference Intakes. Health was the most reported reason for diet choice (47%). In the health belief, animal welfare, and religious/other motive categories, low percentages of chronic disease diagnoses were reported: 27%, 11%, and 15%, respectively. There were no significant differences in health behaviors and indices among vegan motive categories, except for product fat content choices. Within the entire study population, health-related vegan motive coincided with regular exercise; 71% normal BMI (mean=22.6); minimal alcohol and smoking practices; frequently consumed vegetables, nuts, and grains; healthy choices in meal types, cooking methods, and low-fat product consumption; and adequate intakes for most protective nutrients when compared to reference values. But incongruence was found with 0% intake adequacy for vitamin D; and observation of excessive sodium use.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of university students towards smoking in Irbid, Jordan

The purpose of this cross sectional study was to explore university students' knowledge, attitude and practice towards smoking and to compare these factors between smokers and non-smokers. A sample of 2793 students was randomly selected to complete a self-administered questionnaire about knowledge, attitude and practice of smoking at three universities in Irbid, Jordan. The Majority of the smoking students (75.2%) knew the adverse effects of smoking. Rates of non-smoking students who knew the adverse effects of smoking were significantly higher than that of students who smoke. A high rate of students showed an opposing attitude towards the assumption that smoking females would have more friends (89.6%), have stronger personality (93.4%), and be more attractive (90.6%) than non-smoking females. Similar higher rates of negative attitude were also observed towards the smoking male. About 50% of smokers have a misguided belief that smoking helps them concentrate while studying and 37.7% believe that smoking helps in avoiding obesity. Students that started smoking before enrollment in a university had a significantly higher rate of heavy smoking as compared to those who started smoking after being enrolled. Students smoke not because they lack the knowledge about the risk of smoking but due to misguided beliefs and attitudes. Key words: Attitude, knowledge, practice, smoking, students, university.

Initial Smoking Experiences and Current Smoking Behaviors and Perceptions among Current Smokers.

Purpose. We examine early-onset cigarette smoking and how, if at all, it is related to subsequent smoking practices. Methods. From 2004 to 2007, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 485 adult cigarette smokers residing in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Data analysis involved a multivariate analysis to determine whether age of smoking onset was related to current smoking practices when the effects of gender, age, race, marital/relationship status, income, and educational attainment were taken into account. Results. The mean age for smoking onset was 14.8, and more than one-half of all smokers had their first cigarette between the ages of 12 and 16. Most people reported an interval of less than one month between their first and second time using tobacco. Earlier onset cigarette smoking was related to more cigarette use and worse tobacco-related health outcomes in adulthood. Conclusions. Early prevention and intervention are needed to avoid early-onset smoking behaviors. Intervening after initial experimentation but before patterned smoking practices are established will be challenging, as the interval between initial and subsequent use tends to be short.

Behavior and lifestyle factors among older persons living in a district of North India

Background: In elderly, healthy lifestyles are critical in reducing disease risk and increased wellness. Among the many top causes of morbidity, chronic lifestyle-related diseases contribute a major chunk. Objectives: The present study examined self-reported frequencies of smoking, alcohol use, physical activity and dietary practices among older persons and the influence of these on functional limitation among older persons. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 400 study subjects of Shimla hills in North India, aged 60 to 92 years. Participants were recruited from urban and rural areas. Behavior and lifestyle factors information was obtained through a structured interview. Results: 12% currently consumed alcohol and 28.0% were current smokers. Less than half engaged in regular physical activity. Only 41% were regularly consuming milk products, fruits and vegetables in their diet. 20.1% of elderly had inadequate functional ability in instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusion: Adoption of healthy lifestyle activities especially a regular nutritious diet can help preventing functional limitation in elderly.

Impact of Dairying on Nutritional Status of Women in Chandragiri Mandal, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

Nutritional status with respect to dairying of 100 scheduled caste (SC) and 100 forward caste (FC) families holding high yield hybrid cows of Chandragiri Mandal were studied for the present work. The household women of both the communities are engaged in dairying as part of their routine household activity to generate additional income for the family. The milk produce from the cows are utilised both for their home needs and for sale. It is observed on the whole that the FC women are managing well compared to their counterpart SC women. The dietary intakes of milk from their own sources are properly consumed by the FC women and their health status appears to be good in comparison with recommended dietary allowances (RDA, 60%). The SC women neglected the intake of milk, as their daily dietary intakes are very low compared to RDA (38%) due to the reasons related to hindrance from the family, illiteracy and improper management. The present study reflects that the SC women cannot manage their family members because of several reasons like illiteracy, alcoholism, smoking and other bad practices. Even though the FC families also possess the same problems, these women could manage and overcome the problem and gain profits and have a good comfortable life. The present study observes that the SC women are to be given repeated counseling to manage with the problems at household and outside levels.

Adult tobacco use practice and its correlates in eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThere is paucity of data on the smoking habits of rural populations in developing countries. This study aimed to explore cigarette smoking practices of a rural community in Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 548 individuals from a random sample of households in a rural town and its surrounding rural districts. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed.ResultsTwenty-eight percent (95% CI: 24.3% - 31.6%) of the respondents were current smokers. A total of 105 (68%) smokers expressed an interest to quit while 37 (34%) had tried to quit previously but without success. There was high exposure to second-hand smoke: 285 (52%) homes allowed indoor smoking, and in 181 (33%) indoor smoking took place daily. Current smoking was strongly associated with male sex (OR = 83.0; 95% CI: 11.5 – 599.0), and being a student was found to be protective of smoking (OR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.005 – 0.05).ConclusionCigarette smoking is prevalent among the male rural town population in Ethiopia. In addition, a high level of exposure to indoor second-hand smoke exists. There is a need for investment in rural tobacco control, including educational campaigns and cost-effective smoking cessation services.

Water-pipe tobacco epidemic in tobacco naive communities: Experience from Ethiopia*

Water-pipe tobacco (WPT) is a public health threat of the 21st century. As a fashion, it swiftly spreads to all corners of the world in no more than two decades. It is a new phenomenon for Ethiopiain general and for Amhara National Regional Statein particular. The major objective of this study was to gain in-depth baseline information about water-pipe tobacco smoking practice in Bahir Dar City, 2012. An explorative study was conducted at Bahir Dar City—capital of Amhara National Regional State. It is home for one of the largest universities in the country with more than 40,000 students. Of the total 50 WPT lounges, six were identified based on their customer variety, and loaded by the help of police officers who had ample experience in fighting the expansion of WPT smoking in the city. A total of 115 people participated in this study. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted, and the tape recorded data were thematically analyzed. More than 80% of the study participants were below 40 Years, and more than 30% of the total study participants were students. The profession of the remaining participants ranges from daily laborers to university instructors. Females accounted for 37.39%. The following factors were found to be pertinent for rapid increment of water-pipe tobacco smoking: geographic and economic accessibility, peer pressure, deceiving characteristics of WPT-non-irritant and aromatic, lack of knowledge, and absence of effective policy. The most outstanding findings of this study were the following: almost all of the study participants were tobacco naive and really unaware of the contents WPT; but about 94% of them had been khat chewers before they started with WPT smoking. In this region, khat had until recently been used by the Muslims only. WPT smoking is an even more recent phenomenon. “Khat stimulates, and WPT calms down,” said study participants. That means by using the later as an antidote for the former, people start ruining their health with substances containing chemicals proven to be notorious to human health. This combination of deadly addictions seems to be peculiar to Ethiopia and appears to be a serious public health threat to tobacco naive communities in the region. Therefore, their rapid progression needs to be met with appropriate interventions urgently. It also warrants further investigations.

Religion, spirituality, and health: the research and clinical implications.

This paper provides a concise but comprehensive review of research on religion/spirituality (R/S) and both mental health and physical health. It is based on a systematic review of original data-based quantitative research published in peer-reviewed journals between 1872 and 2010, including a few seminal articles published since 2010. First, I provide a brief historical background to set the stage. Then I review research on R/S and mental health, examining relationships with both positive and negative mental health outcomes, where positive outcomes include well-being, happiness, hope, optimism, and gratefulness, and negative outcomes involve depression, suicide, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse, delinquency/crime, marital instability, and personality traits (positive and negative). I then explain how and why R/S might influence mental health. Next, I review research on R/S and health behaviors such as physical activity, cigarette smoking, diet, and sexual practices, followed by a review of relationships between R/S and heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and dementia, immune functions, endocrine functions, cancer, overall mortality, physical disability, pain, and somatic symptoms. I then present a theoretical model explaining how R/S might influence physical health. Finally, I discuss what health professionals should do in light of these research findings and make recommendations in this regard.

Health impact of smoking and smoking cessation services

Smoking continues to be the main preventable cause of death in the UK. Tobacco consumption causes a wide range of diseases and other adverse effects, including multiple types of cancer, COPD, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications. This article reviews the latest evidence on supporting smokers in practice

The changing demographic of blunt smokers across birth cohorts

BackgroundIt has been suggested that African-American males, born in the 1970s, initiated the practice of smoking blunts during the rise of the hip-hop subculture in the 1990s. The objective of this study was to determine if other racial/ethnic groups from more recent birth cohorts adopted the practice as well. MethodsData from seven cross-sectional surveys, the 2004–2010 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, were aggregated for constructing six five-year birth cohorts (n=297,478), starting with the 1970–1974 cohort. Age-stratified regression models were then developed to test the effect of the interaction between race/ethnicity and birth cohort on the past-year use of blunts. ResultsFewer differences in the prevalence of past-year blunt smoking were observed between African-Americans and other racial/ethnic groups from more recent birth cohorts. Statistically significant interaction terms in age-stratified models indicated that relative to African-Americans, the odds ratios of blunt smoking were greater in Caucasians and Hispanics born in the1980s compared to those born in the late 1970s. These results were replicated when the sample was limited to past-year cannabis users (n=61,038). ConclusionsAfrican-Americans, who likely initiated blunt smoking as adolescents/young adults in the 1990s, continued the practice into adulthood. As characterized by other drug eras, the drug became popular over time and expanded into other demographic groups. The additional exposure to tobacco should alert tobacco-control advocates about blunt smokers’ risk of developing nicotine dependence.

Smoking behavior, attitudes, and cessation counseling among healthcare professionals in Armenia

BackgroundSmoking cessation counseling by health professionals has been effective in increasing cessation rates. However, little is known about smoking cessation training and practices in transition countries with high smoking prevalence such as Armenia. This study identified smoking-related attitudes and behavior of physicians and nurses in a 500-bed hospital in Yerevan, Armenia, the largest cancer hospital in the country, and explored barriers to their effective participation in smoking cessation interventions.MethodsThis study used mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. Trained interviewers conducted a survey with physicians and nurses using a 42-item self-administered questionnaire that assessed their smoking-related attitudes and behavior and smoking cessation counseling training. Four focus group discussions with hospital physicians and nurses explored barriers to effective smoking cessation interventions. The focus group sessions were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed.ResultsThe survey response rate was 58.5% (93/159) for physicians and 72.2% (122/169) for nurses. Smoking prevalence was almost five times higher in physicians compared to nurses (31.2% vs. 6.6%, p < 0.001). Non-smokers and ex-smokers had more positive attitudes toward the hospital’s smoke-free policy compared to smokers (90.1% and 88.2% vs. 73.0%). About 42.6% of nurses and 26.9% of physicians reported having had formal training on smoking cessation methods. While both groups showed high support for routinely assisting patients to quit smoking, nurses more often than physicians considered health professionals as role models for patients.ConclusionsThis study was the first to explore differences in smoking-related attitudes and behavior among hospital physicians and nurses in Yerevan, Armenia. The study found substantial behavioral and attitudinal differences in these two groups. The study revealed a critical need for integrating cessation counseling training into Armenia’s medical education. As nurses had more positive attitudes toward cessation counseling compared to physicians, and more often reported having cessation training, they are an untapped resource that could be more actively engaged in smoking cessation interventions in healthcare settings.

Smoking spaces and practices in pubs, bars and clubs: Young adults and the English smokefree legislation

Young adulthood is an important but overlooked period in the development of smoking behaviour. We know little about the impact of smokefree policies on this group. In a secondary analysis of longitudinal, qualitative interview data we explore smoking practices in young adulthood, the role of smoking in the spaces of the night-time economy, and the impact of smokefree legislation. Participants carefully managed their smoking in different spaces in relation to the self they wished to present. This was shaped by the transitional nature of young adulthood. Smoking played a role in constructing time-out periods from the demands of everyday life in a similar way to alcohol use. The restrictions imposed by the smokefree legislation quickly became normal for most; however, the experience of smoking was influenced by the nature and quality of smoking spaces. The re-spatialisation of smoking necessitated by the smokefree legislation may reaffirm processes of social denormalisation and stigmatisation of smoking, whilst simultaneously allowing young adult smokers to produce, in some contexts, a positive, fun, sociable smoker identity.

Health impact of smoking and smoking cessation strategies: current evidence

Smoking continues to be the main preventable cause of death in the UK. Tobacco consumption causes a wide range of diseases and other adverse effects, including multiple types of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, cataracts and osteoporosis. The Government's vision to 'make every contact count' emphasises community nurses' responsibility and key potential to promote healthier living and behaviour. This article reviews the latest evidence on supporting smokers in practice and argues that nurses working in the community are ideally placed to record smoking status, give advice, encouragement and support, refer people to local smoking cessation services and offer pharmacological treatment.

Smoking behaviour, knowledge, attitudes and practice among healthcare providers in Kahramanmaras, Turkey

Smoking behaviour, knowledge, attitudes and practice among healthcare providers in Kahramanmaras, Turkey

Caught in a dilemma: why do non-smoking women in China support the smoking behaviors of men in their families?

Intimate relationships influence family members' health practices. Although cigarette smoking in China is predominantly a male behavior, (non-smoking) women's roles should be taken into account for the development of home-smoking interventions. Drawing on ethnographic interviews with 22 families in a rural area of China, this article explores non-smoking women's attitudes towards male smoking. The findings suggest that women's ability to influence male behavior is largely determined by culturally defined gender roles, underpinned by ideologies of familism and collectivism. Despite concerns about the adverse results of smoking to their family members and households, non-smoking women ultimately maintain the (male) smokers' argument that smoking plays an important role in construction and maintenance of intra- and extra-family relationships. By accepting male smoking and men's engagement in the social practice of smoking and cigarette exchanges, women maintain their identities as supportive wives, filial daughters/in-law and responsible family members who pursue family collective interests at the expense of their own personal beliefs. Future smoking control initiatives that target non-smoking women to influence male smoking should take into account the women's overarching need to maintain the status and harmony of their families.

Novel setting for addressing tobacco-related disparities: a survey of community welfare organization smoking policies, practices and attitudes.

Research in the United States and Australia acknowledges the potential of non-government social and community service organizations (SCSOs) for reaching socially disadvantaged smokers. This study aimed to describe SCSO smoking policies and practices, and attitudes of senior staff towards smoking and cessation. It also investigated factors associated with positive tobacco control attitudes. In 2009, a cross-sectional telephone survey was undertaken of senior staff in Australian SCSOs, 149 respondents representing 93 organizations completed the survey (response rate = 65%; 93/142). Most service clients (60%) remained in programs for 6 months plus, and 77% attended at least weekly. Although 93% of respondents indicated they had an organizational smoking policy, it often did not include the provision of smoking cessation support. Most respondents indicated that client smoking status was not recorded on case notes (78%). Attitudes were mostly positive towards tobacco control in SCSOs, with a mean (standard deviation) score of 8.3 (2.9) of a possible 13. The practice of assessing clients’ interest in quitting was the only statistically significant factor associated with high tobacco control attitude scores. The results suggest that SCSOs are appropriate settings for reaching socially disadvantaged smokers with cessation support. Although generally receptive to tobacco control, organizations require further support to integrate smoking cessation support into usual care. In particular, education, training and support for staff to enable them to help their clients quit smoking is important.

UM ESTUDO DE CASO SOBRE O FUMO, O USO DOS CACHIMBOS E AS PRÁTICAS DE FUMAR ENTRE OS MBYÁ-GUARANI (RS)

Este artigo trata de uma pesquisa acerca dos cachimbos utilizados entre grupos indígenas Mbyá-Guarani de aldeias próximas à cidade de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Com o intuito de estudar o uso do fumo e as práticas do fumar – nos cachimbos (petynguá) – se buscou, através da prática etnográfica, perceber de que maneira e em que medida se dá esse uso e o que ele significa para tais grupos. Traz-se, ainda, referências em trabalhos etnográficos acerca do uso do fumo entre outras etnias ameríndias, a fim de proporcionar certo entendimento de tal temática, no sentido de reforçar a valorização da prática de fumar como parte fundamental da sociocosmologia de muitos grupos ameríndios.