title: A population study of low-rate smokers: quitting history and instability over time.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0905, USA. szhu@ucsd.edu
authors.forename: Shu-Hong
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Jichao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pierce
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cummins
mesh_terms: 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*