[Diffusion of smoking habit in the commune of Florence in 1989]

The results of a study on smoking habits of Florence inhabitants (14 years of age or more) are reported. A random sample of general population of the town (1744 males and 1977 females) was recruited throughout the registration office and interviewed by mail or telephone. General compliance was approximately 85%. Thirty-seven percent of males and 25% of females were current cigarette smokers, 29% of males and 11% of females were ex smokers. Males were heavier smokers both as concerns duration of the habit and daily amount of cigarettes. In males born after 1930 the smoking prevalence decreased gradually by period of birth, while it increased in females born before 1960. As a result the smoking habits of younger cohorts were similar in males and in females. In each sex age-adjusted smoking prevalence showed important differences by educational groups and in respect to national averages.