Social relations and smoking behavior: results from the first MONICA Survey Augsburg

This study examines the relationship between various aspects of social relations and the prevalence of smoking, using data from the first MONICA Survey, Augsburg, FRG, 1984/85. Study population of the survey was a two-stage cluster sample of 5312 men and women aged 25 to 64. The response was 79.4%. The measurement of social relations included a modified form of the Syme/Berkman social network scale, as used in the Alameda County Study. Analyses were carried out separately for the total four-level social network index in relation to smoking, and for specific components of that index (marital status, contacts with friends and relatives, activities in informal groups). The results showed for both men and women, that there was a significant association between the social network index and the prevalence of smoking: the more social ties and contacts, the lower the percentage of smokers. The results from multiple logistic regression analyses indicated an effect of social relations on smoking, that is at least partly independent of age, gender and educational level. In general, the findings may contribute to a better understanding of 'risk groups', and the possible pathways leading from social relations to health and disease.