The early health consequences of smoking: relationship with psychosocial factors among treatment-seeking Black smokers.
BACKGROUND
Blacks suffer disproportionately from the long-term health effects of smoking. Little is known about the prevalence of the early health consequences of smoking in this population or whether psychosocial factors influence the frequency of symptoms. This study investigated the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of smoking-related physical symptoms in Black smokers.


METHODS
Adult smokers (N = 117, 58% female, M(age) = 43.0 years) who smoked at least 5 cigarettes/day completed self-administered assessments of cigarettes smoked per day, smoking duration, alcohol use, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and smoking-related symptoms.


RESULTS
The most frequently occurring physical symptoms were shortness of breath (66%), coughing (50%), and headaches (49%). Multivariate analyses showed that smoking history, alcohol use, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms were independently related to smoking-related symptoms, even after controlling for sociodemographic variables and medical diagnoses.


CONCLUSIONS
The early health consequences of smoking appear to be common among Black smokers and can serve as a cue to action for cessation efforts. Alcohol use, stress, and depression appear to negatively influence the early health consequences of smoking and should be assessed routinely in treatment-seeking Black smokers.
Departments of Psychology and Biobehavioral Oncology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA. mwebb@miami.edu
Monica S
MS
Webb
Michael P
MP
Carey
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult