Changes and determinants in cigarette smoking prevalence in southwestern France, 1985-1997.
OBJECTIVE
Smoking trends were assessed in southwestern France for the period 1985-1997 using data from the MONICA population surveys conducted in the Toulouse region.


RESULTS
Smoking prevalence decreased in men and remained stable in women, with the exception of age group 35-44 years (stabilization in men, increase in women). In both genders, prevalence of ex-smokers increased. Higher educational level was negatively associated with smoking in men and positively associated in women; in both genders, older age was negatively associated with smoking.


CONCLUSIONS
In southwestern France, the decrease or stabilization in smoking prevalence is due to an increase in ex-smokers rather than in never smokers.
Marques-Vidal
Pedro
P
INSERM U558, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, Toulouse, France.
Ruidavets
Jean-Bernard
JB
Cambou
Jean-Pierre
JP
Ferrières
Jean
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000639:trends