Gender differences in smoking among U.S. working adults
Girija Syamlal1, Jacek M Mazurek1, Shanta R Dube2
1Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC, Morgantown, West Virginia.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|July 23, 2014
Summary
Men workers smoke more than women, but female smokers face worse health outcomes. This study highlights gender disparities in smoking prevalence and health among U.S. working adults.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cigarette smoking is a major cause of illness and death.
- Limited data exists on gender differences in smoking among U.S. working adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine current smoking prevalence by gender in U.S. working adults.
- To analyze gender-specific smoking differences across various occupations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2004-2011 National Health Interview Survey data.
- Inclusion of 132,215 working adults (≥18 years).
- Definition of current smokers: smoked ≥100 cigarettes lifetime and currently smoke daily or some days.
Main Results:
- 22.8% of men and 18.3% of women workers were current smokers.
- Women smokers had higher odds of daily smoking and adverse health conditions (COPD, heart disease, asthma, poor emotional health).
- Highest smoking prevalence observed in women in "supervisors, construction, and extraction" (38.9%) and men in "extraction" (40.5%) occupations.
Conclusions:
- Working women exhibit lower smoking prevalence than men.
- Smoking women report poorer physical and emotional health compared to smoking men.
- Occupational factors significantly influence smoking rates among working adults.
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