Depressive symptoms and cigarette smoking in American workers.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the relationship between depressive symptoms and cigarette smoking in a large sample of American workers.


METHODS
We used data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. Seventy percent of individuals completed a telephone survey. The present study focused on 2593 individuals working for pay. Measures included depressive symptoms, job level, and current smoking status.


RESULTS
In a logistic regression analysis, depressive symptoms significantly predicted smoking status among workers (p < .01). In follow-up chi2 analyses, the link between depressive symptoms and smoking was consistent across gender (p < .01) and job levels (p < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Depressive symptoms among workers present an underlying obstacle to the success of worksite smoking cessation efforts. Findings highlight the need for increased cooperation between workplace mental health and medical health promotion programs and for tailoring smoking cessation programs to depressed workers. Limitations include self-report cross-sectional data and an underrepresentation of minority group members and individuals of low socioeconomic status.
Kenney
Brent A
BA
Department of Psychology, A8000, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
Holahan
Charles J
CJ
North
Rebecca J
RJ
Holahan
Carole K
CK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014481:United States