Gender differences in tobacco use.

Abstract

Gender differences in overall tobacco use clearly exist. In general, men are more likely to use tobacco products than are women. However, this simple generalization, ignoring type of tobacco products, time, and culture, masks many more interesting gender differences in tobacco use. There are pronounced gender differences in tobacco use of specific tobacco products within some cultures but not others. Yet these differences have changed across time, including narrowing and widening of this gender gap, depending on culture and tobacco product. This article addresses these issues and presents possible psychosocial, biological, and psychobiological explanations for these phenomena. In addition, the implications of these differences and ways to learn more about these important differences are discussed.

The Pediatrician's Role in Reducing Tobacco Exposure in Children

“…83 Many of the risk factors for smoking are similar for both genders (eg, influence of parents and friends); however, there seem to be some genderspecific risks for tobacco use. 7,82,84 While males who smoke are less socially skilled than their nonsmoking counterparts, the opposite relationship holds for females. 7 Females also are more likely than males to initiate smoking for weight control.…”

“…7 Men are more likely to use tobacco products than are women. 7,81,82 Smokeless tobacco use is nearly entirely a male problem, with Ͻ10% of smokeless tobacco users being female. 83 Although the prevalence of smoking has been substantially reduced in males, the prevalence among females has remained relatively stable.…”

The Etiology and Treatment of Nicotine Dependence: A Biopsychosocial Perspective

“…In addition, the proportions of men and women who use tobacco products vary greatly in some countries, such as Japan and Greece, but not in others, such as the United States and the United Kingdom (Grunberg, Winders, & Wewers, 1991). Thus, it may be that tobacco use is reinforced differently for women in countries where as many women use tobacco products as do men.…”

Effects of Nicotine Administration and Stress on Sensory-Gating Depend on Rat Strain and Sex

“…report that they use cigarette-smoking as a means of controlling body weight and suppressing appetite (Gritz. 1986;Grunberg, Winders, & Wewers, 1991;Klesges & Klesges, 1988;Klesges, Meyers, Klesges, & La Vasque, 1989). Other smokers indicate that smoking alleviates boredom (Parrott, 1995), reduces anxiety (Pomerleau, Turk, & Fertig, 1984;Gilbert, Robinson, Chamberlin, & Spielberger, 1989;Kassel & Shiffman, 1997), tempers hostility (Cherek, 1981;Cherek, Bennett, & Grabowski, 1991), and generally assists in mood regulation (Parrott, 1995).…”