Sex- and race-related differences among smokers using a national helpline are not explained by socioeconomic status

The bases for sex- and race-related differences in smoking behavior are not well understood. Studying the difference in smoking behavior among population segments may allow for effective utilization of resources towards quitting and help understand the cause of existing smoking-related disparities. Our objective was to evaluate whether sex- and race-related differences in smoking behavior were explained by socioeconomic status (SES), using a population of smokers that called a national reactive telephone helpline. This cross-sectional study evaluated 990 new callers to a helpline. Information on demographics and smoking behavior was collected by a telephone interview. Statistical techniques included t test, Chi square and regression analyses. Women and black smokers had lower SES than men and white smokers, respectively. Women smokers had lower rates of tobacco exposure and were more likely to be tempted to smoke by environmental cues. Blacks also had lower rates of tobacco exposure and reported a higher confidence in their ability to quit. Both men and black smokers were less likely to have used other methods of quitting before calling the helpline. These differences persisted after adjusting for SES. This study demonstrates that sex- and race-related differences in smoking among helpline callers are not explained by SES.