Lack of Preventive Health Behaviors in the Early Forties: The Role of Earlier Trajectories of Cigarette Smoking From Adolescence to Adulthood

Abstract

Introduction To study the degree to which individuals in different trajectories of cigarette smoking from adolescence to the early 40s are similar or different in terms of lack of preventive health behaviors (e.g., underuse of preventive health services, unhealthy eating habits) in early midlife. Methods Participants came from a community-based random sample of residents in two upstate New York counties (N=548). Data were collected from adolescence to early midlife (mean age = 43, SD = 2.8) at seven time points. Using growth mixture modeling, we statistically identified the number of smoking trajectories. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the relationship between the probabilities of participants’ smoking trajectory group membership and lack of preventive behaviors in early midlife. Results Five trajectory groups of cigarette smokers were identified. With controls, as compared to the nonsmoker trajectory group, higher probabilities of belonging to the heavy/continuous smoker trajectory group and the late starter trajectory groups were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of lack of preventive health behaviors (Adjusted Odds Ratio [A.O.R.] = 3.49; A.O.R. =4.02, respectively). In addition, as compared to the quitter/decreaser trajectory group, higher probabilities of belonging to the heavy/continuous smoker trajectory group and the late starter trajectory group were also significantly associated with a higher likelihood of lack of preventive health behaviors (A.O.R. = 3.51; A.O.R. = 4.04, respectively). Conclusions Intervention programs may consider focusing on heavy/continuous smokers and late starters in programs designed to promote adequate use of preventive health services and healthy general lifestyles in early midlife.

Eye care utilization pattern in South Africa: results from SANHANES-1

“…Interestingly, we observed that smokers were not likely to utilize eye care services, which was also reported by Aljied et al [ 30 ]. Smokers generally have a poor attitude towards preventive health [ 38 ] even though they are more at risk of developing macular degeneration [ 39 – 41 ], glaucoma and cataract [ 42 ] than the general population [ 43 ]. Another possible reason could be that since people who smoke may have poor health [ 44 ] and other health-related conditions such as respiratory disorders, they may place less priority on utilizing eye care services (as compared to general health services) due to the relatively lower symptomatic effects on vision.…”

Smoking cessation intervention trial outcomes for sexual and gender minority young adults.

“…Former smokers often turn to other negative coping mechanisms, such as overeating, to deal with stress (Chao, White, Grilo, & Sinha, 2017; Koopmann et al, 2011). In general, smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to engage in other health risk behaviors (Zhang, Brook, Leukefeld, De La Rosa, & Brook, 2017); however, SGM smokers may have even higher risk because of minority stress.…”

Food security status and breast cancer screening among women in the United States: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study and Health Care and Nutrition Study

“…For example, smoking behaviors, which are most prevalent among those with lower incomes and less education [48], are generally less likely to engage in preventative health behaviors [49]. The mediating role of life stressors, which may be more likely to manifest amongst those of lower socioeconomic standing, on cigarette usage and insu cient usage of preventative health services also merits further investigation [50]. Cancer screenings were also less likely among those with physical disabilities and poor mental health status.…”