Financial Stress and Smoking within a Large Sample of Socially Disadvantaged Australians

Abstract

Financial stress is associated with fewer quit attempts and higher relapse rates. This study aimed to compare financial stress among smokers, ex-smokers and never smokers in a highly socioeconomically disadvantaged sample. The study also aimed to determine whether specific indicators of financial stress differ according to smoking status. Adult clients seeking welfare assistance from two Social and Community Service Organisation sites in New South Wales, Australia, were invited to complete a cross-sectional survey between March 2012 and December 2013. Responses to a financial stress scale, smoking status and demographics were collected. Linear and logistic regression modelling was used to examine associations between smoking status and financial stress. A total of 1463 participants completed the survey. Current smokers had significantly higher total financial stress scores than ex-smokers and non-smokers respectively. Current smokers also had higher odds of severe financial stress indicators, such as going without meals (Odds Ratio = 2.2 and 2.0), than both non-smokers and ex-smokers. Even among a highly socioeconomically disadvantaged sample with high levels of financial stress, smoking status further exacerbates experiences of deprivation. Given the relationship between financial stress, socioeconomic disadvantage and difficulty quitting, it is important to provide enhanced cessation support to smokers experiencing financial stress.

Tobacco Health Risk Awareness among Socially Disadvantaged People—A Crucial Tool for Smoking Cessation

“…The following barriers to quitting smoking (in addition to the lack of knowledge) have been considered: physical addiction, poor self-efficacy, pro-smoking community norms and lack of willpower [ 9 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. It is also hypothesized that financial stress and characteristics of smokers’ social environments influence smoking cessation [ 28 , 29 ]. In addition, disadvantaged populations may have difficulty in accessing healthcare, obtaining cessation advice, and fail to receive cessation treatment during a quitting attempt.…”

Ethnic variations in the relationship between multiple stress domains and use of several types of tobacco/nicotine products among a diverse sample of adults

“…Discriminatory stress resulting from ethnic, sexual orientation, or gender discrimination predicts tobacco product use particularly among women and ethnic minority groups ( Chae et al, 2008 ; Guthrie, Young, Williams, Boyd, & Kintner, 2002 ; Unger, 2018 ). Financial strain is also associated with smoking and is commonly defined as economic hardships such as financial anxiety due to debt, being unable to afford needed items, poor housing conditions, long-term unemployment, and low income ( Guillaumier et al, 2017 ; Kahn & Pearlin, 2006 ; Siahpush, Borland, & Scollo, 2003 ; Siahpush & Carlin, 2006 ; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014 ). Although studies have shown that a degree of financial strain can promote a reduction in smoking, severe financial strain increases quitting difficulty and increases relapse after quitting ( Guillaumier et al, 2017 ; Kendzor et al, 2010 ; Pyle, Haddock, Poston, Bray, & Williams, 2007 ; Siahpush, Yong, Borland, Reid, & Hammond, 2009 ).…”

“…Financial strain is also associated with smoking and is commonly defined as economic hardships such as financial anxiety due to debt, being unable to afford needed items, poor housing conditions, long-term unemployment, and low income ( Guillaumier et al, 2017 ; Kahn & Pearlin, 2006 ; Siahpush, Borland, & Scollo, 2003 ; Siahpush & Carlin, 2006 ; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014 ). Although studies have shown that a degree of financial strain can promote a reduction in smoking, severe financial strain increases quitting difficulty and increases relapse after quitting ( Guillaumier et al, 2017 ; Kendzor et al, 2010 ; Pyle, Haddock, Poston, Bray, & Williams, 2007 ; Siahpush, Yong, Borland, Reid, & Hammond, 2009 ). Since severe financial strain is negatively associated with cessation, and smoking rates are highest among economically vulnerable populations and those with low socioeconomic status (SES) ( Kendzor et al, 2010 ; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014 ), prevention efforts need to focus on disadvantaged groups.…”

Perceived barriers and motivators to smoking cessation among socially-disadvantaged populations in Poland

“…The following barriers to quitting smoking have been considered: the lack of knowledge, poor self-efficacy, prosmoking community norms and the lack of willpower [14][15][16][17][18][19]. It is hypothesized that financial stress and characteristics of smokers' social environments influence smoking cessation [20,21]. In addition, disadvantaged populations may have difficulty accessing healthcare and obtaining cessation advice, and thus fail to receive cessation treatment during a quit attempt.…”