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Smoking prevalence among US veterans.
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE (MS K67), Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. dbrown6@cdc.gov
Smoking remains a significant issue in the US military, with veterans showing higher prevalence than non-veterans. Targeted interventions are crucial, especially for younger veterans and those with coronary heart disease (CHD).
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Military Health
Background:
- Cigarette smoking presents a substantial public health challenge within the US military.
- Understanding smoking prevalence among US veterans is critical for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate and compare the prevalence of current smoking among US veterans versus non-veterans.
- To analyze smoking prevalence trends by birth cohort and in veterans with coronary heart disease (CHD).
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2003-2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
- Analyzed age-adjusted smoking prevalence among adults (≥18 years) who served on active duty in the US Armed Forces.
- Compared smoking rates between veterans and non-veterans across different birth cohorts.
Main Results:
- The age-adjusted smoking prevalence was 27.0% among veterans compared to 21% among non-veterans (2003-2007).
- Smoking prevalence declined in both groups but remained higher in veterans.
- Veterans with self-reported coronary heart disease (CHD) had a 43% smoking prevalence, significantly higher than non-veterans with CHD (31%).
Conclusions:
- Despite overall declines, smoking reduction opportunities exist for US veterans, particularly younger cohorts.
- Younger veterans exhibit smoking prevalence rates comparable to the general US adult population in the 1960s/1970s.
- Urgent smoking cessation efforts are needed for veterans with CHD due to elevated risks.
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