Tobacco use in Florida: comparisons between adults living with and without disabilities

Florida has the third largest population in the U.S. of persons living with disabilities, making optimizing health outcomes for this population paramount. Though the state has a long-standing and robust program to reduce tobacco use, prevention efforts do not specifically target persons with disabilities.

To compare rates of tobacco use behaviors and second hand smoke exposure between adults living with and without disabilities.

Secondary analysis of 2007-2009 Florida BRFSS data. The proportions of persons with disabilities who were cigar or cigarette smokers, quit smoking, were exposed to secondhand smoke, or had an interest in calling a Quit Line were compared for persons with and without disabilities. Weighted proportions and accompanying 95% confidence intervals were calculated, with proportions adjusted for age, gender, race, and education.

Adult Floridians with a disability were more likely to report being a current cigarette smoker and being exposed to secondhand smoke, yet were also more likely to report quitting smoking for at least one day than were persons without a disability. No differences were found for cigar smoking, age at smoking initiation, or interest in the Quit Line.

Findings suggest persons with disability are disproportionately burdened by tobacco use, yet are more likely to attempt to quit, suggesting a need for targeted interventions to assist persons with a disability in smoking cessation and reducing tobacco use and exposure. This has important implications for the future health of a group at greater risk of chronic disease.