Characteristics of young female smokers in a Swedish primary health care area.
OBJECTIVE
To analyse the correlation between smoking, socioeconomic characteristics, and sexual and contraceptive patterns in young women.


METHODS
Cross-sectional population study, smokers compared with non-smokers.


METHODS
Nättraby-Hasslö, a rural area in southern Sweden.


METHODS
All women between 15-34 years of age (n = 541).


RESULTS
26% smoked daily. Smokers on average had less schooling, lower 9th grade results, less satisfaction in school, and more unskilled professions than non-smokers. Apart from a higher parental divorce rate among smokers, no correlation between parental factors and smoking was found. Smokers on average reported an earlier sexual debut, more unprotected first intercourse, more life-time sexual partners, and more legal abortions.


CONCLUSIONS
Smoking is associated with sexual habits, which may reflect a higher tendency to take personal risks among smokers.
Liljestrand
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden.
Josefsson
G B
GB
Brännström
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008019:Life Style; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology