A population study of low-rate smokers: quitting history and instability over time.
This study used 1 longitudinal and 2 cross-seconal population surveys to compare stability of low-rate daily smokers (less than 5 cigarettes per day) with other daily smokers and occasional smokers. Few low-rate smokers maintained consumption level; 36% retained smoking status after 20 months, compared with 82% and 44% for regular daily and occasional smokers, respectively. In a dynamic process, established smokers quit smoking and/or modified (decreased or increased) consumption. Low-rate and occasional smokers quit at higher rates than regular daily smokers (odds ratios 3:1) but were replenished by new members, many converted from regular daily smoker. The overall trend is an increasing proportion of low-consumption smokers while smoking prevalence declines. The dynamic process has implications for tobacco control efforts and for addiction theory.
Zhu
Shu-Hong
SH
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0905, USA. szhu@ucsd.edu
Sun
Jichao
J
Hawkins
Sally
S
Pierce
John
J
Cummins
Sharon
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013997:Time Factors; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*