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Characterizing and identifying "hard-core" smokers: implications for further reducing smoking prevalence
1Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0645, USA.
American Journal of Public Health
|March 8, 2000
Summary
A small percentage of persistent smokers, termed "hard-core" smokers, may be resistant to tobacco control efforts. Identifying and understanding this group is crucial for future public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Tobacco Control Research
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Some individuals exhibit persistent smoking behaviors, potentially limiting the effectiveness of public health interventions.
- Defining and characterizing
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the characteristics of
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 1996 California Tobacco Surveys.
- Inclusion of 18,616 adult participants with a response rate of 72.9%.
Main Results:
- In 1996, 5.2% of California smokers (aged 26+) were identified as hard-core smokers.
- Hard-core smokers were more likely to be retired, non-Hispanic White males, living alone, with limited education and income.
- This group initiated smoking at younger ages and perceived fewer health risks associated with smoking.
Conclusions:
- Despite ongoing tobacco control initiatives, a significant challenge remains due to hard-core smokers.
- This population appears largely unresponsive to current tobacco control messaging, necessitating tailored interventions.