Study of smoking behavior in asbestos workers.
BACKGROUND
Asbestos exposure and concomitant cigarette smoking markedly increase the risk of lung cancer and contribute to the prevalence and severity of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 214 asbestos workers was initiated to determine the prevalence of smoking and their readiness to quit smoking using the stage of change theory.


RESULTS
The study was comprised of 61 never smokers (28.5%), 118 ex-smokers (55.1%), and 35 current smokers (16.4%). Reasons for smoking cessation in ex-smokers included perception of ill-health (51%) and knowledge of smoking-asbestos hazards (3.4%). Stage of change of current smokers revealed: precontemplation (26.5%), contemplation (35%), preparation (29%), and action (8.8%). Current smokers had the highest prevalence of small airway obstruction on spirometry.


CONCLUSIONS
A detailed smoking history during medical surveillance activities will enable the occupational physician to identify asbestos workers who have difficulty quitting and to develop a system in which such individuals can be referred to comprehensive smoking cessation programs.
Osinubi
Omowunmi Y O
OY
Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA. oosinubi@eohsi.rutgers.edu
Afilaka
Aboaba A
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Doucette
John
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Golden
Anne
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Soriano
Theresa
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Rovner
Elisheva
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Anselm
Edward
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015995:Prevalence; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires