Trends in oral contraceptive use and cigarette smoking. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1982 and 1988.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate trends in oral contraceptive (OC) use and smoking among women of reproductive age and to determine factors related to smoking among OC users.


METHODS
Telephone interviews of women aged 18 through 45 years in 16 states and the District of Columbia who participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 1982 (N = 3553) and in 1988 (N = 7384).


RESULTS
Between 1982 and 1988, the prevalence of smoking decreased from 31% to 24% among OC users and from 32% to 28% among non-OC users. In both 1982 and 1988, more than half of the OC users who smoked were heavy smokers (smoked 15 or more cigarettes per day). Nearly one fourth of 35- to 45-year-old women who used OCs were smokers. After we standardized for age, race, and education, the decline in the prevalence of smoking among OC users did not differ substantially from the decline in smoking among non-OC users.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the possible synergistic effects of smoking and OC use on the risk of cardiovascular disease, we found no accelerated decline in the prevalence of smoking among OC users. As of 1988, nearly one fourth of all OC users were smokers. These data emphasize the need to reduce the prevalence of smoking among women who use OCs before they reach the age at which their risk for cardiovascular disease increases substantially.
Cardiovascular Health Studies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga.
D H
DH
Barrett
R F
RF
Anda
L G
LG
Escobedo
J B
JB
Croft
D F
DF
Williamson
J S
JS
Marks
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000639:trends*; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral