Age at smoking onset and its effect on smoking cessation

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cessation and age at which person starts smoking. Data from a survey of nine neighborhoods in Philadelphia (1985-1987) were analyzed. Interviews were conducted in the home using a structured questionnaire. Participants were from a probability sample (n = 1,700) of males aged 35 years or older. Sixty-six percent of the smokers in this series started smoking before 18 years of age. Smoking cessation rate was 58.1% in Whites and 38.8% in Blacks. Age, race, marital status, education, health condition, amount smoked, and duration of smoking were significant predictors of smoking cessation. Age at initiation of smoking was a significant factor for continuation of smoking. Men who started smoking before 16 years of age had an odds ratio of 2.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.4-3.0) for not quitting smoking compared to those who started at a later age. These findings emphasize the need for prevention program targeted to children below 16 years of age.