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Smoking, Stress, and Health Risk Behaviors During the Early Phase of COVID-19 Lockdowns Among Residents of Flint, Michigan

Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved +

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April 25, 2024

|

April 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Food insecurity and smoking are linked in underserved populations. Stress, marijuana, and alcohol use increase smoking likelihood, highlighting the need for targeted community health interventions.

Area Of Science

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Disparities

Background

  • Food insecurity and smoking are prevalent issues in underserved communities, worsening health inequities.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic's early phase presented unique challenges for vulnerable populations.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To examine smoking prevalence and its relationship with mental health and health risk behaviors.
  • To investigate these associations among residents of Flint, Michigan, during early COVID-19 lockdowns.

Main Methods

  • A survey was administered to 106 residents with financial needs and limited mobility receiving community nutritional services.
  • Data collected included smoking status, mental health indicators (e.g., stress), and health risk behaviors (e.g., alcohol, marijuana use).
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant associations.

Main Results

  • Living alone, marijuana use, and frequent alcohol consumption were associated with higher smoking rates.
  • High stress levels, marijuana use, and alcohol consumption were significant predictors of smoking.
  • Living alone correlated with both smoking and other health risk behaviors.

Conclusions

  • Smoking is associated with stress, substance use, and living alone in this population.
  • Interventions should address smoking prevention, mental health (stress), substance use, and social isolation.
  • Community health programs need to consider factors like loneliness that may drive smoking and risk behaviors.

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