Research

Smoking knowledge and behavior in the United States: Sociodemographic, smoking status, and geographic patterns
Data from the National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends (HINTS) study was analyzed to identify regional differences in knowledge of the risks associated with smoking and to identify variations in risk factors for smoking. Females, non-Hispanic whites, and those with higher incomes were less likely to hold misconceptions about smoking. Respondents with more education were more likely to hold accurate beliefs about the risks of smoking. Compared to current smokers, nonsmokers and former smokers were more accurate in their understanding of smoking risks. Based on these differences in knowledge about tobacco and its risks, and in light of the disparities in tobacco-related morbidity and mortality, the researchers recommend continued development and delivery of tobacco use prevention and cessation programs. Click here to access the abstract of the research, which was published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research in October 2008.

Cigarette smoking and military deployment:  A prospective evaluation
The researchers used data from a longitudinal study, the Millennium Cohort, to compare baseline data on smoking and other health measures in 2001-2003 prior to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and afterward, in 2004-2006. The findings suggest that military deployment affects soldiers’ smoking habits. Deployment was associated with smoking onset among soldiers who were previously nonsmokers and relapses of smoking among former smokers. In addition, current smokers who were deployed were more likely than nondeployers to become heavier smokers during the study period. Among the deployed never-smokers and former smokers, individuals who had been in combat were more likely to smoke. Longer deployment periods, multiple deployments, and exposure to combat were all associated with heavier smoking among current smokers. The researchers suggest that there is a need for interventions that address smoking after military deployment. Click here to view the abstract of the study, which was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. In a recent press release, “Fight to quit, quit to live,” the American Legacy Foundation highlights the struggle American service members are currently facing, reporting that American Marines and sailors are smoking at alarming levels these days. A survey by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) finds that 64 percent of the 408 Marines and sailors surveyed reported using some form of tobacco. In contrast, about 20 percent of U.S. adults smoke. Historically, tobacco use has been linked to service in the military - some may see it as a stress reliever especially during times of deployment and tours of duty that extend beyond the traditional time frame. Click here to read more.

Current economic situation prompts increased smoking, delay in quit attempts middle and low-income Americans hit hardest
The current economic downturn in the U.S. has affected Americans’ smoking habits, according to a survey of adult smokers conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Legacy Foundation. About one quarter of current smokers revealed that the current state of the economy has increased their stress levels, and in turn raised their cigarette consumption. Women were more likely than men to report increased smoking related to economic worries. Compared to individuals with higher incomes, smokers earning less than $35,000 were more likely to report a spike in their cigarette consumption due to the economy. Middle income smokers were also affected. They were more likely than wealthier people to have delayed quit attempts because of financial stress. The economy has driven spending habits--one fifth of smokers have switched to economy cigarette brands to save money. Because stress is an important factor in smoking behavior, Dr. Cheryl G. Healton, president and CEO of the American Legacy Foundation, recommends that smokers enlist social support from friends and family to compensate for cessation resources that may not be available due to economic barriers. Click here to read more.

Society study finds racial disparities increasing for cancers unrelated to smoking
A new American Cancer Society study finds that recent progress in closing the gap in overall cancer mortality between African Americans and whites may be due primarily to smoking-related cancers, and that cancer mortality differences related to screening and treatment may still be increasing. The study, appearing in the November issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, is the first to analyze racial and ethnic differences between the two broad categories of disease. To read more about these findings click here. 

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Reports

American Lung Association of the Northwest reaches out to lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community with smoking prevention message
The American Lung Association of the Northwest announced plans to launch a campaign focusing on the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community to educate them about the dangers of tobacco use.  Studies show that smoking rates among LGBT adults and youth are significantly higher than those in general populations. The American Lung Association of the Northwest campaign will include targeted outreach through LGBT publications and events. According to Kay Ashton, Marketing and Community Relations Director for the American Lung Association of the Northwest in Alaska, "The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community has one of the highest rates of smoking among minority populations, yet it is also one of the most underserved in terms of research and programs.  We hope to begin to bridge that gap through tobacco education outreach." The American Lung Association of the Northwest's outreach campaign announcement coincides with the Gay American Smokeout, a national event held the third Thursday in November that challenges members of the LGBT community across the country to quit smoking. For more information about the American Lung Association of the Northwest, click here.

Tobacco control evaluation with low SES populations in California (CA)
Because low socioeconomic status (SES) is the single greatest predictor of smoking behavior, this report from the Tobacco Control Evaluation Center at UC Davis provides information on working with low SES communities. While some statistics in the report relate specifically to California, this guide is relevant for tobacco control work in low SES communities in other areas. This resource describes groups that commonly are classified as low socioeconomic status, characteristics of low SES populations, factors that contribute to tobacco use, factors that affect the well-being of low SES individuals, and ways to access and engage low SES communities in evaluation work. The guide also includes links to resources on cultural competence, statistics, evaluation, literacy, poverty, and respect. Click here to download the report.

Free nicotine patches now available to Massachusetts veterans and their families (MA)
Twenty four percent of Massachusetts veterans smoke, compared to 18% of the general adult population, a statistic that echoes a national trend of high smoking rates among veterans. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) have partnered to address this disparity. Through the state-run Smokers Helpline, veterans and their families can receive a month’s supply of nicotine replacement patches and cessation counseling for free. Veterans’ families were included in the campaign after veterans repeatedly mentioned how much more difficult it is to quit when their spouses or children continue to smoke. Studies show that smokers are more likely to quit when assisted by nicotine replacement therapy and support from trained counselors. Click here to read a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, or click here for a related article in the Boston Globe.

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International

Anthropology in China's health promotion and tobacco
A comment recently published in The Lancet examines smoking in China through the lens of medical anthropology. Medical anthropology is the study of the ongoing and changing relationships of illness, culture, politics, and economics. In this article, the social and economic factors that have affected smoking rates are described, and because smoking is vastly more common among Chinese men than women, possible reasons for the gender difference are explored. Smoking has been marketed to men as a means of economic and social development, while smoking invokes negative sexual and moral connotations for women. Smoking has grown in popularity in part because of depictions of political leaders throughout the 20th century as avid smokers, and cigarette branding has made a person’s favorite cigarette brand an indicator of their good taste and status. The authors suggest that medical anthropology might shape antismoking interventions in China by providing insight on cultural beliefs that affect perceptions of smoking. Click here to access the article.

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