[Changes in smoking habits in a Danish population from 1983 to 1988]

Changes in smoking habits are described for 2,986 danes aged 30, 40, 50 and 60 examined in 1983 as part of the MONICA survey and reexamined five years later. In this period the prevalence declined by 8.1% for men and 5.9% for women. Smoking was related to social class, with an increasing proportion of smokers with decreasing social class. In 1988 the social differences had increased for females. The prevalence of cessation was 17.6% for males and 17.2% for females. The highest proportion of cessation was found among 60 year-old males. The average consumption of tobacco in the group of smokers increased over the period, the increment was higher the younger the person. The prevalence of heavy smokers (20 grams or more daily) increased especially in younger persons. The proportion of young heavy smokers was highest in the lowest social class. By logistic regression a low tobacco consumption was the most important factor associated with cessation. In addition, high social class was associated with cessation for women.