Just how high-risk are ongoing smokers? Exploring clusters of health risk behaviours among current and ex-smokers

There is limited research about the patterns of multiple health risks among smokers, despite the associated increased risk of poor health. This study aimed to identify which risk behaviours were evident in a sample of smokers and ex-smokers who had previously been offered cessation support. A cross-sectional telephone interview in 2013 involved participants from New South Wales, Australia, from the control condition (self-help materials only) of a randomised smoking cessation trial conducted approximately five years earlier. The interview assessed smoking, weight, height, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, alcohol intake and depression. Of the 626 eligible participants, 321 were interviewed (consent rate=85.6%, response rate=51.3%); 62% were current smokers. Most participants (57%) reported four or five health risk behaviours. Three risk clusters were identified using latent class analysis: i) 'high risk' (42% of sample): smokers, overweight, inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables and low levels of physical activity; ii) 'lower risk non-depressed' (22% of sample): adequate physical activity and an absence of depression; and iii) 'lower risk, low alcohol' (36% of sample): low alcohol consumption, overweight and depressed. Males and current smokers were more likely to be 'high risk', while women and ex-smokers were more likely to be members of the 'lower risk, low alcohol' cluster. Those who continue to smoke have multiple additional health risks; as do ex-smokers in the 'lower risk, low alcohol' cluster. Achieving good health outcomes for these sizeable groups will require tailored, intensive or case-management approaches which can address multiple health risk behaviours.