Prevalence and factors associated with hardcore smoking in Poland: findings from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2009-2010)

Hardcore use of smoked and smokeless tobacco products among men and women in Bangladesh: data from two rounds of the global adult tobacco survey

This study examines the prevalence of and factors associated with "hardcore" use of smoked and smokeless tobacco (SLT) products in Bangladesh and the variation in the ages people started using them daily. Data from the 2009 and 2017 rounds of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey for Bangladesh were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression. The prevalence of "hardcore" use of smoked tobacco among current smokers decreased from 15.5% in 2009 to 13.1% in 2017. Almost all hardcore smokers were male in both rounds. Among the current users of SLT, 7.0% were "hardcore" users in 2009, with a higher proportion of females (8.9%) than males (4.8%) and these percentages remained similar in 2017. The current smokers in the age-group 25-64 and the current SLT users in the age-group 45-65+ were more likely than their counterparts to be "hardcore" users. The earlier the participants started using daily, the more likely they were to become "hardcore" users. There was regional variation in the prevalence of "hardcore" use. Coordinated preventive interventions and comprehensive treatment programmes and their equitable geographical distribution are needed.

Factors Associated with Attempt for Smoking Cessation among Hardcore Smokers in Taiwan

Background: Tobacco control activities have mostly influenced those smokers who found it easier to quit and, thus, remaining smokers are those who are less likely to stop smoking. This phenomenon is called “hardening hypothesis,” which individuals unwilling or unable to quit smoking and likely to remain so. The aim of this study was to identify the factors correlated with smoking cessation among hardcore smokers.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design was employed. Hardcore smokers from communities in Taiwan were recruited to participate in the study (N = 187). Self-report questionnaires were used to collect demographic data as well as data on nicotine dependence, quitting self-efficacy, social smoking motives, attitudes towards the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (THPA), and smoking cessation. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors that were related to quit smoking.

Results: About 30.3% (n = 54) reported having experienced quitting smoking over 7 days in the past year. Logistic regression analysis indicated that attitudes towards the THPA was identified as a particularly important factor contributing to the increase in smoking cessation among hardcore smokers.

Conclusions: Nurses should cooperate with smoking cessation coaches to facilitate the improvement of attitudes towards the THPA as a key means through which to increase the smoking cessation rate among hardcore smokers.

Prevalence and predictors of hardcore smoking in India-: Findings from the global adult tobacco survey (2016–2017)

Background:

Hardcore smokers are of significant public health concern having a greater risk of developing tobacco-related diseases.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify burden of hardcore smokers, its distribution, and determinants in India.

Subjects and Methods:

Analysis of Global Adult Tobacco Survey India 2016–2017 data was carried out. Hardcore smoking was defined when the following criteria were fulfilled – current daily cigarette smoking for at least 5 years, no quit attempt in past 12 months, no intention to quit in next 12 months, and time to first smoke within 30 min of waking up. Independent variables included sociodemographic, knowledge of side effects, indoor smoking policy, and age of smoking initiation. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out, with adjustment for clustering, stratification, and sampling weight.

Results:

Proportion of hardcore smoking among the general population and current daily smokers were 3.43% and 32.3%, respectively. In the adjusted model, it was found to be significantly associated with increasing age, earlier initiation of daily smoking, tribal caste, and unfavorable indoor smoking policy.

Conclusion:

Tobacco control strategies should be modified to tackle these issues, especially early age of initiation of daily smoking and indoor smoking policy.

Characteristics of Hardcore Male Smokers in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of hardcore smokers who were previously hospitalized. Study design: A descriptive qualitative design was used to investigate a sample of 29 male Taiwanese smokers. Methods: Male hardcore smokers were recruited at a hospital in southern Taiwan and their smoking behaviors and attitudes were explored in semistructured interviews. Inclusion criteria were: (1) smoking at least weekly or daily during the past year, (2) 100 cigarettes during the lifetime, (3) persistent smoking, or (4) at least one hospitalization. Audio-recorded interview data were analyzed using content categorization of the responses. Results: Four main themes emerged to describe characteristics of Taiwanese hardcore smokers: (1) physiological and psychological dependence, (2) no motivation to quit despite knowledge of negative health consequences, (3) social interaction and cultural norms, and (4) negative attitudes toward, but compliance with, smoking-free policies. Conclusions: The results can inform public health nurses of characteristics of Taiwanese hardcore smokers, which in turn may develop effective smoking cessation program to increase smoking cessation rate among Taiwanese hardcore smokers.

Steps toward community health promotion: Application of transtheoretical model to predict stage transition regarding smoking

BACKGROUND

Recently, the Iranian Ministry of Health estimated about 750,000 deaths are attributed smoking complications. The aim of this study was to apply the transtheoretical model (TTM) on general population of Mashhad city to evaluate the stages of change and possible cultural factors regarding smoking cessation.

METHODS

This descriptive, cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran. A total number of 562 participants selected by multistage sampling. They were asked about stages of change for smoking cessation for both hookah and cigarette smoking. Stages of change refer to an orderly sequence of changes in smoking behavior that people progress through according to the TTM. Its six stages are as follows: precontemplation (PC) (no intention to quit smoking within 6 months), contemplation (planning to quit smoking in the following 6 months), preparation (planning to stop smoking within 1 month), action (quit smoking for <6 months), maintenance (stopped smoking for 6 months or more), and termination (will never smoke again). Data were analyzed using tests such as Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and logistic regression by SPSS 11.5.

RESULTS

About 18% and 19% of people in this study were regular hookah and cigarette smokers, respectively. There was significant difference between cigarette smoking and sex (P < 0.001) and marital status (P = 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference between stages of change in men and women from the point of cigarette smoking (P < 0.001). Male sex, hookah smoking, and alcohol abuse were predictors of PC, and age was the only predictor of termination stage for cigarette smoking. Sex did not have any role in hookah smoking.

CONCLUSION

Targeted education based on gender and marital status warrant attention. Community-wide education and interventions such as increasing the price of cigarettes are desired.

Are there hardened smokers in low- and middle-income countries? Findings from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey

INTRODUCTION

Hardened smokers are those who do not want to quit, or find it very difficult to quit. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of hardened smokers in 19 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

METHODS

We used nationally representative data from 19 LMICs that conducted the Global Adult Tobacco Survey during 2009–2013. Our analysis is restricted to adults aged ≥25 years. Hardened smokers were defined as daily smokers who smoked for 5 or more years, and who reported the following: no quit attempt in the past year that lasted 24 or more hours; no interest in quitting, or not planning to quit in the next year; and currently smoked within 30 minutes after waking. For each country, the prevalence of hardened smokers was analyzed by sex, age, residence (urban or rural), educational attainment, wealth index, and knowledge of the danger of smoking. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess predictors of hardened smoking.

RESULTS

Prevalence of hardened smokers among adults (aged ≥25 years) ranged from 1.1% (Panama) to 14.3% (Russia). Among current smokers (aged ≥25 years), the proportion of hardened smokers ranged from 7.5% (Mexico) to 38.4% (Romania). Adjusted odds of hardened smokers were significantly higher for males (9 of 19 countries), smokers aged 65 years or older (12 of 19 countries), adults with lower educational attainment (9 of 19 countries), and no knowledge of the danger of smoking (8 of 19 countries).

CONCLUSIONS

The spectrum of smokers in the LMICs includes hardened smokers and prevalence varies across population groups. Full implementation of proven tobacco control strategies could reduce hardened smoking in LMICs.

Smoking cessation in European patients with coronary heart disease. Results from the EUROASPIRE IV survey: A registry from the European Society of Cardiology

OBJECTIVE

We investigated smoking cessation rates in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients throughout Europe; current and as compared to earlier EUROASPIRE surveys, and we studied characteristics of successful quitters.

METHODS

Analyses were done on 7998 patients from the EUROASPIRE-IV survey admitted for myocardial infarction, unstable angina and coronary revascularisation. Self-reported smoking status was validated by measuring carbon monoxide in exhaled air.

RESULTS

Thirty-one percent of the patients reported being a smoker in the month preceding hospital admission for the recruiting event, varying from 15% in centres from Finland to 57% from centres in Cyprus. Smoking rates at the interview were also highly variable, ranging from 7% to 28%. The proportion of successful quitters was relatively low in centres with a low number of pre- event smokers. Overall, successful smoking cessation was associated with increasing age (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.09-2.06) and higher levels of education (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.08-1.75). Successful quitters more frequently reported that they had been advised (56% vs. 47%, p < .001) and to attend (81% vs. 75%, p < .01) a cardiac rehabilitation programme.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows wide variation in cessation rates in a large contemporary European survey of CHD patients. Therefore, smoking cessation rates in patients with a CHD event should be interpreted in the light of pre-event smoking prevalence, and caution is needed when comparing cessation rates across Europe. Furthermore, we found that successful quitters reported more actions to make healthy lifestyle changes, including participating in a cardiac rehabilitation programme, as compared with persistent smokers.

Socioeconomic and gender inequalities in smoking. Findings from the Czech National Tobacco Surveys 2012-2015

OBJECTIVE

Smoking significantly affects morbidity and mortality of the population. The incidence of smoking is determined by gender and socioeconomic status (SES) of an individual. The aim of this study is to analyse the relationship between gender and SES indicators and smoking.

METHODS

The analysis is based on data from the Czech National Tobacco Surveys from 2012 to 2015 (N∼1,800 per year). The prevalence of smoking, average daily consumption of cigarettes, initiation ratio and quit ratio were monitored. Smoking habits of the respondents were surveyed using the Czech version of the standard Tobacco Questions for Surveys (TQS) questionnaire. SES was measured by a composite index comprising three variables (level of education, income and job prestige); it had four categories: low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high.

RESULTS

In comparison with women, men had a higher smoking prevalence (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.09-1.84), higher consumption of cigarettes (B=4.11, 95% CI=1.97-6.26), and higher rate of smoking initiation (OR=1.38, 95% CI=1.10-1.74), but they did not differ in the quit rate (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.60-1.21). Persons in the low SES category had higher prevalence of smoking and higher initiation ratio compared with those in the high SES category (OR=2.59, 95% CI=1.36-4.97; OR=2.23, 95% CI=1.26-3.95). Cigarette consumption and quit ratio did not differ according to SES. The prevalence of smoking in the years 2012-2014 did not differ; in 2015, it was lower compared to the previous three years.

CONCLUSIONS

Inequalities in socioeconomic status affect smoking, which significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. Measures aimed at reducing inequalities in health must take into account both smoking as a risk factor and socioeconomic status, which affects its occurrence. Programmes to reduce tobacco use should reflect the different needs of individuals with different SES levels. It is especially necessary to seek effective approaches for smokers with low socioeconomic status.

Tobacco use patterns, knowledge, attitudes towards tobacco and availability of tobacco control training among school personnel from a rural area in Poland

Background

Tobacco-free school environment as well as non-smoking teachers and school personnel provide positive role models for children and young people. In Poland, smoking should be banned in colleges, schools, educational establishments and educational care facilities. However, for the existing law to be effective, awareness of all people in school curriculum and enforcement of the law are crucial. The aim of the study was to evaluate tobacco use patterns, knowledge and attitudes towards tobacco as well as availability of tobacco control training among school personnel in a rural area in Poland. Moreover, compliance with tobacco control policies and their enforcement were assessed.

Methods

The study was carried out in Piotrkowski district between November 2014 and May 2015 in accordance with the Global School Personnel Survey (GSPS) methodology. Sixty schools participated in the survey (92% of the schools from the region) with involvement of 1044 teachers and 500 non-teaching staff (the response rate – 83.1%). The multivariate linear regression analyses were applied to study factors linked to the need for anti-tobacco training dedicated to the youth and teachers’ knowledge as well as activities to educate the students about tobacco use and its prevention.

Results

About 24% of the school personnel were current and 9% were ex-smokers. Significantly more teachers than the non-teaching staff indicated that the schools had a policy prohibiting tobacco use among students. In addition, 6% of the study participants indicated everyday violations of the tobacco control policy by the school personnel. More than 80% of the teaching personnel indicated the need for training dedicated to the youth to prevent their tobacco use. In the multivariate linear regression model, longer duration of working experience predicted higher levels of knowledge and more activities performed to teach the youth about tobacco use and its prevention. The smokers comparing to the non–smokers perceived the need for anti- tobacco training among the youth less strongly.

Conclusions

In order to make it possible for the inhabitants of Piotrkowski district to work and learn in tobacco smoke free environment there is an urgent need for taking actions aiming at increasing effectiveness of enforcing applicable tobacco control regulations in educational units. The necessity for systematic training dedicated to the youth to prevent their tobacco use, including accurate preparation of teachers, also needs to be highlighted.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12971-016-0110-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Smoking cessation attempts: is it useful to treat hard core smokers?

Background

Hard core smokers have been studied in many countries but only a few trials have compared the effectiveness of smoking cessation with other smokers. The objective of this study was to compare the frequencies of success in smoking cessation between hard-core smokers and other smokers.

Methods

Data were collected in Clermont-Ferrand from the Emile Roux dispensary ‘Pneumology and Tobaccology Centre’ between 1999 and 2009. Assistance with smoking cessation was proposed to 1367 patients but only 1296 patients were included: 219 HCS and 1077 other smokers. Smoking cessation was considered a success when patients were abstinent 6 months after the beginning of cessation. The profiles of the two types of smokers were compared using Chi square test and Student’s t test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the association between the smoking cessation result and the type of smokers.

Results

HCS more frequently consumed other psychoactive substances (41.1 % vs 25.7 % for other smokers; p < 0.001). Current depression was more frequent in HCS (46.6 % vs 34.8 % for other smokers; p = 0.001). Smoking cessation was less frequent in HCS (45.2 % vs 56.5 % for other smokers ; p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, after controlling for other factors, the frequency of smoking cessation was not significantly associated with the type of smokers (p = 0.47). After limiting to initial factors (present before the beginning of smoking cessation), the frequency of smoking cessation was still not significantly associated with the type of smokers (p = 0.78).

Conclusion

Smoking cessation is possible for hard core smokers, who should be treated as other types of smokers taking into account other factors:the problem is how to encourage them to try to stop smoking.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with hardcore smoking among rural daily male smokers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The existence of smokers who are resistant to smoking cessation interventions has attracted considerable interest in recent years. Given the paucity of data on that topic in rural China, we aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of hardcore smoking in rural China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 villages in Shandong, China. A total of 1,287 male daily smokers were face-to-face interviewed. A multiple logistic regression model was used to explore the associations of demographics, environment, knowledge and attitudes about smoking, and smoking behavior characteristics with hardcore smoking among daily male smokers. A general dominance analysis model was used to access the relative contribution of the determinants that were identified in the multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Hardcore smokers constituted 32.9% (n = 423) of daily male smokers. Five determinants for hardcore smoking were identified in the multiple logistic regression. Dominance analysis showed higher level of smoking intensity was the most important determinant of hardcore smoking, followed by being a farmer, starting to smoke daily under the age of 20, younger age, having fewer smokers around.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that hardcore smokers account for a substantial proportion of daily male smokers and are distinct from other groups of daily smokers.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

Specifically tailored tobacco-control efforts should be made to address the issues incurred by hardcore smokers. (Am J Addict 2016;25:628-633).

Patterns of nicotine dependence in four Eastern European countries

BACKGROUND

Evidence of patterns of nicotine dependence, although crucial for developing and implementing effective tobacco control strategies, is limited in the Eastern European countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlates of high nicotine dependence among adults in Poland, Romania, the Russian Federation and Ukraine.

METHODS

The data used in the current analysis is available from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2009-2011). Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI), which covers two measures: reported cigarettes smoked per day and time to the first cigarette upon waking. Based on a six-point scale of HSI, nicotine dependence was categorized into low to moderate (score 0-3), and high dependence (score 4-6). Out of 31,936 completed interviews, we used data from 8229 daily smokers.

RESULTS

The study results indicate that more than 25 % of daily smokers were highly dependent on nicotine. Higher odds of high nicotine dependence were identified for males (OR = 1.5 in Poland and Romania, OR = 2.7 in Russia; p ≤ 0.001), people between 50-59 years of age (the highest odds in Romania; OR = 4.8; p ≤ 0.001) and those who had started smoking at a young age (the highest odds in Romania, OR = 5.0; p ≤ 0.001). Having fewer restrictions on smoking at home was significantly associated with a high level of nicotine dependence (the highest odds in Romania, OR = 3.0; p ≤ 0.001). A high proportion of the participants had no interest in quitting smoking, with a statistically significantly higher percentage observed among smokers highly dependent on nicotine compared to the less addicted (p ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Smokers highly dependent on nicotine constitute a quarter of the Romanian group of daily smokers and even more in the remaining three analyzed countries. Similar patterns of nicotine dependence were observed in all of the investigated countries showing that male gender, younger age at the smoking onset, and fewer restrictions on smoking at home were significantly associated with higher nicotine dependence. The study highlighted the fact that a high proportion of the participants had no interest in quitting smoking. These results underscore importance of policy measures as well as prevention and cessation interventions for smokers who are highly dependent on nicotine, which need to take into account the social gradient in smoking patterns.

Impact of stage and comorbidities on five-year survival after radical cystectomy in Poland: single centre experience

Introduction

Long-term outcomes of patients treated for invasive bladder cancer in Poland are poorly documented in the literature. Impact of various clinical parameters on their survival is even less well studied. Radical cystectomy is a major surgery, so the patients’ condition can be equally important as cancer stage. The aim of the study was to assess 5-year overall survival (OS) after cystectomy and impact of comorbidity on OS in a single Polish academic centre.

Material and methods

Clinical data of all patients who underwent cystectomy in years 2004-2006 for urothelial cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Survival status was determined at least 5 years after surgery. Pathological variables, comorbidities, surgery delay and complications were evaluated as potential predictors of OS. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the survival function as well as Cox proportional hazards models were utilized.

Results

Thirty-day, 1-year and 5-year OS for 63 patients was 98.4%, 58.7% and 31.7%, respectively. None of the investigated parameters were significantly related to five-year OS. However, a composite parameter consisting of stage, diabetes status and postoperative course was found as a significant predictor. Five-year OS in 16 patients with pT1-2 and without diabetes and without post-operative complications was higher than in the remaining 47 patients (56% vs. 23%; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Five-year OS in our group was lower than in most published international series but concordant with a previous Polish report. Improvement in survival after radical cystectomy may be expected when early diagnosis will be accompanied by optimal care of patients with diabetes mellitus and avoidance of postoperative complications.