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International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2021Smoking is still a serious economic, health, and social problem despite various efforts to curb its prevalence. We examined the influence of financial literacy and...
Smoking is still a serious economic, health, and social problem despite various efforts to curb its prevalence. We examined the influence of financial literacy and financial education on the smoking behavior in the United States in terms of the use of rational decision-making abilities to reduce irrational behavior. We hypothesized that financial literacy and financial education, as proxies for rational decision making, would reduce the likelihood of smoking. We used data from the Preference Parameters Study (PPS) of Osaka University conducted in the United States in 2010 and applied probit regression models to test our hypothesis on a sample of 3831 individuals. We found that financially literate people are less likely to be smokers, though we found no clear role of financial education in reducing the likelihood of smoking. Further, respondents' gender, age, unemployment status, and risky health behaviors such as drinking and gambling, have a significantly positive association with smoking, while marital status, university degree, family size, household income, household assets, physical exercise, and level of happiness have a significantly negative association. Our findings suggest that financial literacy, as an instrument encouraging rational decision making, could be a tool to help reduce smoking in the United States.
Topics: Educational Status; Exercise; Family Characteristics; Health Literacy; Humans; Smoking; United States
PubMed: 33806645
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052579 -
Mathematical Biosciences and... Nov 2023Smoking has gradually become a very common behavior, and the related situation in different groups also presents different forms. Due to the differences of individual...
Smoking has gradually become a very common behavior, and the related situation in different groups also presents different forms. Due to the differences of individual smoking cessation time and the interference of environmental factors in the spread of smoking behavior, we establish a stochastic giving up smoking model with quit-smoking duration. We also consider the saturated incidence rate. The total population is composed of potential smokers, smokers, quitters and removed. By using Itô's formula and constructing appropriate Lyapunov functions, we first ensure the existence of a unique global positive solution of the stochastic model. In addition, a threshold condition for extinction and permanence of smoking behavior is deduced. If the intensity of white noise is small, and $ \widetilde{\mathcal{R}}_0 < 1 $, smokers will eventually become extinct. If $ \widetilde{\mathcal{R}}_0 > 1 $, smoking will last. Then, the sufficient condition for the existence of a unique stationary distribution of the smoking phenomenon is studied as $ R_0^s > 1 $. Finally, conclusions are explained by numerical simulations.
Topics: Smoking Cessation; Smoking; Stochastic Processes
PubMed: 38124566
DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023910 -
The European Journal of Health... Feb 2019We investigate whether individuals are less likely to start and more likely to quit smoking in years when newspapers publish more articles about the health risks of...
We investigate whether individuals are less likely to start and more likely to quit smoking in years when newspapers publish more articles about the health risks of smoking. With data from 9030 respondents to the 2008 Global Adult Tobacco Survey in Turkey, we construct respondents' life-course smoking histories back to 1925 and model initiation and cessation decisions taken 1925-2008. To measure information, we count articles published in Milliyet, one of Turkey's major newspapers. Results from linear probability models show that people who have seen more smoking-health risk articles know more about the smoking-health relationship. Holding constant each individual's information stock, education, place of residence, and the price of cigarettes, we find that, as new information arrives, male and female smokers in all cohorts are significantly more likely to quit and women are less likely to start. Our analysis is one of the first that examines how new information affects smoking decisions while controlling for each individual's existing stock of information.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Child; Educational Status; Female; Health Education; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Newspapers as Topic; Sex Factors; Smoking; Smoking Cessation; Socioeconomic Factors; Tobacco Products; Turkey; Young Adult
PubMed: 29934875
DOI: 10.1007/s10198-018-0988-9 -
PloS One 2021The incidence and mortality rates of smoking-associated lung cancer are high among Chinese immigrant smokers. Coming from a country with different smoking policies,...
BACKGROUND
The incidence and mortality rates of smoking-associated lung cancer are high among Chinese immigrant smokers. Coming from a country with different smoking policies, culture, and economic background than the U.S., Chinese smokers may change their smoking behaviors after immigrating to the U.S.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to explore the trajectory of smoking behavior change among Chinese immigrant smokers migrating to the U.S.
METHODS
This qualitative study was guided by the Grounded theory. Semi-structured intensive individual interviews were conducted among 10 eligible participants. A purposive theoretical sampling method was used to recruit participants through a website. Individual interviews were conducted online, via telephone, or in-person in Mandarin. Data were transcribed verbatim in Mandarin, translated into English, and triangulated with follow-up interviews and dialogues among authors to enhance trustworthiness and consistency of the study. Process coding and content analysis were used to analyze data.
RESULTS
A total of 10 participants, 7 males and 3 females, were interviewed. Results showed the trajectory of smoking behavior change among Chinese immigrant smokers went through three phases: 1) Beginning to smoke, which included learning to smoke from others, trying to smoke and learning to smoke, and hiding their smoking behaviors from others; 2) maintaining smoking, which included setting boundary around smoking, smoking as a facilitator or barrier to social interaction, feeling pressures related to smoking behavior, and making others happy: Collective smoking and controlling smoking desire; and 3) changing smoking behaviors, which included experiencing life events that were triggers to changing smoking behavior, boredom as a reason for relapses, personal will as a key to quitting smoking, and quitting smoking for a loved one. Although some differences existed between male and female Chinese immigrant smokers' smoking behaviors, their trajectories of smoking behavior change were generally similar.
DISCUSSION
Findings from this study can help health care providers to extend their understanding toward smoking behavior change among Chinese immigrant smokers across different socio-cultural contexts.
Topics: Adult; Asian People; Behavior Therapy; China; Emigrants and Immigrants; Female; Humans; Male; Qualitative Research; Smokers; Smoking Cessation; Smoking Prevention; Tobacco Smoking; United States
PubMed: 33529228
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246280 -
Social Science & Medicine (1982) Apr 2014In this paper we examine smoking prevalence and frequency among Asian and Latino U.S. immigrants, focusing on how gender differences in smoking behavior are shaped by...
In this paper we examine smoking prevalence and frequency among Asian and Latino U.S. immigrants, focusing on how gender differences in smoking behavior are shaped by aspects of acculturation and the original decision to migrate. We draw on data from 3249 immigrant adults included in the 2002-2003 National Latino and Asian American Study. Findings confirm the gender gap in smoking, which is larger among Asian than Latino immigrants. While regression models reveal that gender differences in smoking prevalence, among both immigrant groups, are not explained with adjustment for measures of acculturation and migration decisions, adjustment for these factors does reduce gender differences in smoking frequency to non-significance. Following, we examine gender-stratified models and test whether aspects of migration decisions and acculturation relate more strongly to smoking behavior among women; we find that patterns are complex and depend upon pan-ethnic group and smoking measure.
Topics: Acculturation; Adult; Asian; Emigrants and Immigrants; Female; Hispanic or Latino; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Sex Distribution; Smoking; United States
PubMed: 24561772
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.02.002 -
PloS One 2023Gout incidence is increasing worldwide; appropriate management of serum uric acid levels and a healthy lifestyle may help its prevention. The popularity of electronic...
BACKGROUND
Gout incidence is increasing worldwide; appropriate management of serum uric acid levels and a healthy lifestyle may help its prevention. The popularity of electronic cigarettes and the resultant emergence of dual smokers is increasing. Despite many studies on the effects of various health behaviors on serum uric acid levels, the association between smoking and serum uric acid levels remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between smoking and serum uric acid levels.
METHODS
In this study, total sample of 27,013 participants (11,924 men and 15,089 women) were analyzed. This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2020) and grouped adults into dual smokers, single smokers, ex-smokers, and non-smokers. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between smoking behavior and serum uric acid levels.
RESULTS
Compared to male non-smokers, male dual smokers had significantly higher serum uric acid level (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.88). In female, serum uric acid level was higher among single smokers than non-smokers (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.25-2.25). Higher serum uric acid levels were more likely to be present in male dual smokers with a > 20 pack-year smoking habit (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.06-3.18).
CONCLUSION
Dual smoking may contribute to high serum uric acid levels in adults. Thus, serum uric acid levels should be properly managed through smoking cessation.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Male; Female; Uric Acid; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutrition Surveys; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Smoking
PubMed: 37130102
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285080 -
BMC Medical Education Nov 2018Smoking is a major risk factor for cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, mental stress leads to smoking in dental students. We believe that dentists, as health...
BACKGROUND
Smoking is a major risk factor for cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, mental stress leads to smoking in dental students. We believe that dentists, as health professionals, should set an example for the public. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of and factors associated with regular smoking among Japanese dental students. We also surveyed their attitudes regarding smoking cessation and how to counsel smokers about quitting.
METHODS
We collected demographic and behavioral data from 453 students at Kyushu Dental University, and evaluated their mental health with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 12). We also asked them nine questions related to their intentions to counsel smokers about quitting. A multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with smoking.
RESULTS
Fifty-two (11.5%) of the dental students smoked. Univariate analyses indicated that male gender, higher academic year, greater number of times eating out per day, alcohol consumption, prevalence of skipping breakfast, poor health, and poor sleep habits were significantly associated with regular smoking. Regular smokers were less likely to have GHQ 12 scores ≥4. On multivariate analysis, male gender (OR = 5.449, 95% CI = 1.851-16.040), sixth year students (OR = 21.971, 95% CI = 1.686-286.290), eating out two or more times a day (OR = 2.492, 95% CI = 1.165-5.331), drinking alcohol three or more times per week (OR = 9.484, 95% CI = 3.335-26.970), and GHQ 12 score ≥ 4 (OR = 0.339, 95% CI = 0.136-0.845) were significantly associated with regular smoking. Overall, 50.1% of the non-smokers and 71.2% of the regular smokers responded that patients' chances of quitting smoking are not increased when a dentist advises them to quit.
CONCLUSIONS
Regular smoking was strongly associated with male gender, higher academic year, alcohol consumption, and higher frequency of eating out per day. Mental health status among regular smokers was better than that among non-current smokers. Furthermore, we found that more than half of dental students have inadequate attitudes to advise their patients to quit smoking. It is necessary to develop educational programs regarding smoking for dental students.
Topics: Adult; Age Distribution; Alcohol Drinking; Attitude of Health Personnel; Feeding Behavior; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Japan; Life Style; Male; Mental Health; Occupational Health; Prevalence; Sex Distribution; Smoking; Smoking Cessation; Students, Dental; Young Adult
PubMed: 30445940
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1365-1 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2011Tobacco taxation is an essential component of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. However, to fully realize the benefits it is vital to understand the impact of... (Review)
Review
Tobacco taxation is an essential component of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. However, to fully realize the benefits it is vital to understand the impact of increased taxes among high-risk subpopulations. Are they influenced to the same extent as the general population? Do they need additional measures to influence smoking behavior? The objectives of this study were to synthesize the evidence regarding differential effects of taxation and price on smoking in: youth, young adults, persons of low socio-economic status, with dual diagnoses, heavy/long-term smokers, and Aboriginal people. Using a better practices approach, a knowledge synthesis was conducted using a systematic review of the literature and an expert advisory panel. Experts were involved in developing the study plan, discussing findings, developing policy recommendations, and identifying priorities for future research. Most studies found that raising cigarette prices through increased taxes is a highly effective measure for reducing smoking among youth, young adults, and persons of low socioeconomic status. However, there is a striking lack of evidence about the impact of increasing cigarette prices on smoking behavior in heavy/long-term smokers, persons with a dual diagnosis and Aboriginals. Given their high prevalence of smoking, urgent attention is needed to develop effective policies for the six subpopulations reviewed. These findings will be of value to policy-makers and researchers in their efforts to improve the effectiveness of tobacco control measures, especially with subpopulations at most risk. Although specific studies are needed, tobacco taxation is a key policy measure for driving success.
Topics: Canada; Commerce; Expert Testimony; Health Policy; Humans; Indians, North American; Risk; Smoking; Socioeconomic Factors; Taxes; Nicotiana
PubMed: 22163198
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph8114118 -
International Journal of Colorectal... May 2023Early-onset colorectal neoplasms (EoCRN) include both benign and malign colorectal tumors, which occur before the age of 50. The incidence of EoCRN is rising worldwide.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Early-onset colorectal neoplasms (EoCRN) include both benign and malign colorectal tumors, which occur before the age of 50. The incidence of EoCRN is rising worldwide. Tobacco smoking has previously been proven to be related to the development of various tumor types. However, its relationship with EoCRN is not clearly defined. Hence, we carried out a systematic review and a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between smoking status and the risk of EoCRN.
METHODS
A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to September 7, 2022, was performed for studies that evaluated the association of smoking status with EoCRN. The quality of the case-control study was evaluated with the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale. The quality of the cross-sectional studies was evaluated with the American Health Care Research and Quality checklist. Fixed-effects models were used to pool odds ratios (ORs) to evaluate the relationship between the risk of developing EoCRN and smoking status. The meta-analyses were performed with Review Manager version 5.4, and funnel plots and publication bias tests were produced by STATA software.
RESULTS
A total of six studies were included in this meta-analysis. After pooling the results of these six studies, we found that current smokers carry a relatively high risk of developing EoCRN (OR, 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.52) compared to never-smokers. Ex-smokers were not at a significantly increased risk for developing EoCRN (OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.86-1.18).
DISCUSSION
Smoking behavior is significantly associated with an increased risk for developing EoCRN and might be one of the reasons for the increasing incidence. Ex-smokers who quit are not at significant risk of developing EoCRN.
Topics: Humans; Case-Control Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Smoking; Risk Factors; Tobacco Smoking; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37147435
DOI: 10.1007/s00384-023-04405-w -
Environmental Health and Preventive... Jun 2020In areas affected by the tsunami of the great East Japan Earthquake, smoking behavior may have deteriorated due to high stress and drastic changes in living environment....
BACKGROUND
In areas affected by the tsunami of the great East Japan Earthquake, smoking behavior may have deteriorated due to high stress and drastic changes in living environment. Surveys were conducted to reveal changes in smoking behaviors among victims.
METHODS
A population-based random-sample home-visit interview survey of victims in Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures affected by the tsunami disaster was conducted in 2012 (n = 1978), while a population-based nationwide survey was conducted in 2013 (n = 1082). A panel survey in 2014 was conducted with respondents of the 2012 survey (n = 930). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to reveal factors related to smoking status after the disaster.
RESULTS
There was high smoking prevalence of both sexes in the tsunami disaster area (current smoking rate in coastal area, 50.0% for male, 21.4% for female; inland area, 34.7% for male, 7.6% for female). Low prevalence of male quitters was observed (quitter rate in coastal area, 20.8% for male, 8.0% for female; inland area, 23.4% for male, 5.5% for female). The prevalence of nicotine-dependent people assessed by FTND (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence) in the coastal area was also higher than in the inland area or other areas of Japan. Smoking behavior among victims worsened after the disaster and did not improve 3 years from the disaster. Post-disaster factors related to smoking were living in coastal area, complete destruction of house, and living in temporary housing.
CONCLUSIONS
Smoking prevalence and the level of nicotine dependence of tsunami victims were still high even 3 years after the disaster. It is important to emphasize measures for smoking control in the disaster areas for an extended time period.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Disaster Victims; Earthquakes; Female; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Smoking; Tsunamis; Young Adult
PubMed: 32527213
DOI: 10.1186/s12199-020-00858-5