Risk Factors for Smoking in Rural Women: The Role of Gender-Based Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Cervical cancer rates are disproportionately high in Ohio Appalachia.
• Gender-based violence (GBV) and smoking are independent risk factors for cervical cancer.
• Appalachian women exhibit higher smoking rates, with limited data on GBV exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of GBV exposure among women in Ohio Appalachia.
• To investigate the association between GBV exposure and smoking behaviors in this region.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three Ohio Appalachian counties using random sampling (n=398).
• The GBV Index Score, measuring exposure to eight abuse types, was the primary exposure variable.
• Correlation and logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between GBV and smoking.

Main Results:

• Nearly 57% of women reported GBV exposure, rising to 77.5% among current smokers.
• GBV exposure significantly increased with smoking status (never, former, current smokers; p < 0.0001).
• GBV exposure was significantly associated with current smoking (OR: 1.62) after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions:

• GBV is highly prevalent in Ohio Appalachia and strongly associated with smoking.
• Interventions targeting women in Ohio Appalachia should integrate GBV considerations for smoking cessation.
• Addressing GBV is vital for reducing health disparities and improving behavioral outcomes.