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Are occasional smokers a heterogeneous group? An exploratory study
Sarah A Edwards1, Susan J Bondy, Matthew Kowgier
1Ontario Tobacco Research Unit, Toronto, Canada. sarah.edwards@utoronto.ca
Summary
Occasional smokers are a diverse group. Identifying subgroups based on age, addiction, and smoking history can predict long-term smoking cessation success.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Occasional smokers are a significant and varied population.
- Understanding their heterogeneity is key to effective cessation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heterogeneity of occasional smokers.
- To identify subgroups and their predictors of sustained nondaily smoking and cessation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 408 occasional smokers over one year (Ontario Tobacco Survey).
- Descriptive analyses of subgroups and agglomerative hierarchical clustering to identify empirical clusters.
- Analysis of smoking status at 1-year follow-up by subgroup.
Main Results:
- Descriptive analyses revealed differences in quit attempts and quit date setting among subgroups.
- Cluster analysis identified 4 subgroups based on age, perceived addiction, and smoking history.
- Subgroup characteristics significantly predicted 1-year smoking status.
Conclusions:
- Occasional smokers exhibit significant heterogeneity.
- Subgroups differ in age, smoking experience, patterns, and quitting likelihood.
- Perceived addiction and smoking history are important factors in cessation.
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