Smoking alcohol consumption and dental health behavior among 25-44-year-old Danes

The purpose of this investigation was to describe smoking and alcohol habits of an adult Danish population and to study whether these habits are influenced by living conditions. Moreover, the purpose was to test the hypothesis of unidimensionality of health behavior. The study comprised 749 persons in the age group 25-44 yr (82% of original sample) and data on smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and dental health behavior were collected by interviews. Fifty-one percent of the interviewed persons were current smokers, 58% among men and 44% among women. One-fifth of the males and about one-tenth of the females were classified as heavy smokers consuming more than 15 cigarettes per day. Fifty-eight percent reported to have alcoholic drinks weekly 71% of men and 47% of women. All in all, 65% of the study group had a weekly consumption of larger beer, 6% of strong beer, 52% of red or white wine, 12% of dessert wine, and 27% of spirits. Alcohol consumption as well as smoking was more frequent among workers than officials. Multivariate regression analyses showed that smoking and alcohol habits varied according to sex, urbanization, education, shift work, and number of children in family. Correlations between alcohol habits, smoking, and perceived dental health were observed. Furthermore, smoking and dental health behavior were negatively associated. In factor analysis of variables on diet, smoking, alcohol, and dental health behavior, two factors were isolated: 1) alcohol consumption, and 2) active dental care. Only a small proportion of the total variance was explained and, thus, the hypothesis of unidimensionality of health behavior was not confirmed. Because of the multidimensionality different strategies and methods in health education may be needed to modify or change the various types of negative health behavior.