Changing smoking habits in Sweden: towards better health, but not for all

A multivariate analysis indicated that in 1980-1981 economic conditions as measured by the ability to raise 5000 Swedish Crowns within one week was the most important predictor for smoking prevalence among a random sample of 14,900 Swedes. A follow-up in 1985 showed that despite the overall declining trends in smoking during this time period, some groups had increased their smoking rates substantially. Nordic citizens born outside Sweden, the divorced, widows or widowers living alone, those who had retired early and unemployed living under 'poor' economic conditions have increased their already high smoking rates by 13-70%. However well-educated people and professional groups show a marked decrease in smoking rates between 1980 and 1985. This projects increasing health inequities, endangering the WHO's Health for All objectives.