Disparities in cigarette smoking and use of other tobacco products in Minnesota, 2003–14. (17th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boyle, Raymond G; D'Silva, Joanne; Stanton, Cassandra A; Carusi, Charles; Tang, Zhiqun
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health. Volume 40:Number 2(2018:Jun.)
• Page Start: e74
• Page End: e81
• Publication Date: 2017-06-17
• Subjects: disparities -- education -- other tobacco products -- smoking -- survey; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdx064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-3842

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Despite efforts to reduce disadvantages across society, widening health disparities have been observed in Minnesota. This research examined whether observed declines in state-wide smoking prevalence were experienced equally by all adults with varying educational attainment. Methods: Serial cross-sectional data from the 2003, 2007, 2010 and 2014 Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey (MATS) were analyzed. Weighted regression analyses for smoking status, time to first cigarette, cigarettes per day and non-cigarette other tobacco products (OTP) were conducted across education levels. Results: Controlling for age and gender, a decreased rate of smoking among high and middle education groups was offset by an increase in the low education group. Dependence (time to first cigarette) was twice as high in the lowest education group compared to highest, yet dependence did not decline over time for any group. There was a decline in cigarettes per day in all education groups, but an increase in OTP use in the lowest and middle education groups. Conclusions: Given existing smoking disparities, novel efforts are urgently needed. Complementing known population-level strategies with community and individual-level approaches will be necessary to eliminate the widening gap in smoking disparities and to end the burden of tobacco-related disease