Ana-Cristina Santos1, Henrique Barros. 1. Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Porto Medical School, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal. acsantos@med.up.pt
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Southern European cultural specificities might influence the dynamic of the tobacco epidemic. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the distribution and determinants of smoking patterns in an urban Portuguese population. METHODS: We evaluated 1,644 community dwellers (1,015 women, 629 men) using a structured questionnaire, comprising social, behavioral, and clinical information. Number of cigarettes smoked, age at smoking initiation, and quitting were self-reported. Proportions were age adjusted for the European population and the magnitude of associations computed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Smoking was more common in younger, unemployed, normal weighted, and less physically active men. Female smoking prevalence was higher in younger, more educated, and overweight. Compared to females, males had a higher prevalence of smoking (35.0%; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 31.3-38.8 vs. 17.6%; 95% CI 15.4-20.1; P<0.001), a higher mean number of cigarettes smoked (21.2; 95% CI 12.4-15.0 vs. 14.1; 95% CI 19.6-22.6; P<0.001), and a higher proportion began smoking before 18 years of age (60.1%; 95% CI 55.5-64.5 vs. 42.6%; 95% CI 36.9-48.5; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Among Portuguese, adults smoking remains more frequent in men but the prevalence is reaching a disturbing proportion in women, especially young and more educated. This smoking pattern places Portugal in stage 2 of smoking epidemic.
BACKGROUND: Southern European cultural specificities might influence the dynamic of the tobacco epidemic. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the distribution and determinants of smoking patterns in an urban Portuguese population. METHODS: We evaluated 1,644 community dwellers (1,015 women, 629 men) using a structured questionnaire, comprising social, behavioral, and clinical information. Number of cigarettes smoked, age at smoking initiation, and quitting were self-reported. Proportions were age adjusted for the European population and the magnitude of associations computed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Smoking was more common in younger, unemployed, normal weighted, and less physically active men. Female smoking prevalence was higher in younger, more educated, and overweight. Compared to females, males had a higher prevalence of smoking (35.0%; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 31.3-38.8 vs. 17.6%; 95% CI 15.4-20.1; P<0.001), a higher mean number of cigarettes smoked (21.2; 95% CI 12.4-15.0 vs. 14.1; 95% CI 19.6-22.6; P<0.001), and a higher proportion began smoking before 18 years of age (60.1%; 95% CI 55.5-64.5 vs. 42.6%; 95% CI 36.9-48.5; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Among Portuguese, adults smoking remains more frequent in men but the prevalence is reaching a disturbing proportion in women, especially young and more educated. This smoking pattern places Portugal in stage 2 of smoking epidemic.
Authors: F Panza; V Solfrizzi; M R Barulli; C Bonfiglio; V Guerra; A Osella; D Seripa; C Sabbà; A Pilotto; G Logroscino Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2015-03 Impact factor: 4.075
Authors: Sara Lourenço; Raquel Lucas; Fábio Araújo; Mónica Bogas; Rui André Santos; Henrique Barros Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2014-11-30 Impact factor: 3.186
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