Are perceived neighbourhood problems associated with the likelihood of smoking?
OBJECTIVE
To explore associations between residents' perceptions of the local residential environment and the likelihood of their smoking.


METHODS
Using data (n = 2615) from the West of Scotland Twenty-07 Study, separately by gender, cross-sectional associations between respondents' perceptions of neighbourhood (perceived absence of goods, incivilities and physical environmental problems) and the likelihood of being a current smoker and the amount smoked were examined.


RESULTS
Perceived neighbourhood problems are associated with the likelihood of smoking but mainly among those with the most negative view of the local neighbourhood. Perceptions of the provision of neighbourhood amenities seems to be more strongly associated with women's than men's smoking status, whereas the perceived quality of the local neighbourhood appears to be a better predictor of men's smoking.


CONCLUSIONS
Efforts to reduce smoking levels among more deprived groups may need to pay more attention to the role of local environmental conditions in influencing smoking behaviour.
Ellaway
A
A
MRC Social & Public Health Sciences Unit, 4 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK. anne@sphsu.mrc.ac.uk
Macintyre
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires