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Nakkash R, Tleis M, Khalil J, Romani M, Salloum RG. A qualitative study on tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon: Waterpipe and cigarette smokers' views, risk perceptions, and behaviors. Tob Prev Cessat 2024; 10:TPC-10-27. [PMID: 38938265 PMCID: PMC11209738 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/189770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of studies have documented more severe COVID-19 symptoms and worse outcomes among smokers compared to non-smokers. The aim of this research is to understand the views, risk perceptions, and behaviors of Lebanese adult smokers during the pandemic. METHODS We conducted 18 qualitative online structured interviews with adults who smoke cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco residing in Lebanon from November 2020 through April 2021. Participants were recruited predominantly via paid social media ads. Interviews were audio-recorded using Zoom software then transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS The findings showed three main themes: changes to smoking behaviors, concerns over the susceptibility and severity of COVID-19, and using coping methods to protect smokers from COVID-19. Although there was an increased risk perception of COVID-19 in relation to smoking, most participants reported an increase in smoking. Instead of being encouraged to quit, participants developed coping strategies against COVID-19 while smoking. CONCLUSIONS Smoking behavior did not seem to decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. To support cessation initiatives and raise awareness, effective health messaging aimed at smokers is pivotal. Smoking cessation programs need to be better equipped at supporting people who smoke in finding healthier coping mechanisms during a pandemic. Moreover, policies to regulate the propagation of misinformation are required to prevent the development of a false sense of safety and protection from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima Nakkash
- Global and Community Health Department, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States
| | - Malak Tleis
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joanna Khalil
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Romani
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ramzi G. Salloum
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
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Yamamoto T, Abbas H, Kanai M, Yokoyama T, Tabuchi T. Factors associated with smoking behaviour changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a 6-month follow-up study. Tob Control 2024; 33:287-294. [PMID: 37616062 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking behaviour may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the April 2020 revised smoke-free policy and the high prevalence of heated tobacco product (HTP) use in Japan (10.9% in 2020). This study examined the association between these three events and smoking behaviour changes using 6-month follow-up data from before and during the pandemic. METHOD Using longitudinal data from an internet survey conducted in February 2020 (baseline) and follow-up in August to September 2020, prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for smoking behaviour changes (increase and quit) were calculated using multivariable Poisson regression with adjustments for potential covariates including three event-related five factors: fear of COVID-19, living in a COVID-19 endemic area, workplace smoking rules, self-imposed smoking rules at home and type of tobacco use (cigarette only/HTP only/dual use). A smoker who reported an increase in smoking intensity in the last month was defined as an increase. A smoker who had stopped both cigarettes and HTPs at follow-up was defined as a quit. RESULTS We analysed 1810 tobacco users (1448 males (80%); mean age 50.8 years±13.2 SD). At baseline, 930 participants used cigarettes only, 293 HTPs only and 587 both. While 214 (11.8%) users increased smoking intensity, 259 (14.3%) quit both tobacco products. Those who feared COVID-19 were less likely to quit (PR=0.77, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.95), while living in a COVID-19 endemic area was not associated with either smoking behaviour change. Workplace smoking rules were not associated with either smoking behaviour change, but those with no home smoking ban were less likely to quit. Compared with cigarette-only users, HTP-only users were more likely to quit (PR=1.57, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.11), while dual users were more likely to increase smoking intensity (PR=1.35, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.79). CONCLUSION During the pandemic, dual cigarette and HTP use increased smoking intensity, whereas HTP-only use was associated with quitting but fear of COVID-19 and not having a home smoking ban made it harder to quit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Yamamoto
- Department of Health Promotion, National Institute of Public Health, Wako, Japan
| | - Hazem Abbas
- Department of International and Community Oral Health, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Makiko Kanai
- Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Yokoyama
- Department of Health Promotion, National Institute of Public Health, Wako, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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Alpers SE, Druckrey-Fiskaaen KT, Madebo T, Vold JH, Pallesen S, Skogen JC, Lunde LH, Mæland S, Fadnes LT. The association of psychological distress and economic and health worries with tobacco smoking behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: a two-year longitudinal cohort study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:375. [PMID: 38317145 PMCID: PMC10840189 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17943-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and other life events may trigger worries and psychological distress. These impacts may lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as tobacco smoking, but the degree of such associations is unclear. The current three-wave longitudinal study examines changes in tobacco smoking in Norway between 2020 and 2022 and their associations with psychological distress as well as health- and economy-related worries. METHODS Data were collected in April 2020 (baseline), January 2021, and January 2022 in Bergen, Norway, from an online longitudinal population-based survey. Smoking tobacco (the outcome variable) was dichotomized based on the responses to the question of whether participants smoked cigarettes or not. Tobacco smoking and its associations with psychological distress were assessed among 24,914 participants (response rate 36%) in a mixed model regression presented with coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for COVID-19-related worries, home office/study, occupational situation, age, gender, education, having children below 18 years living at home, living alone, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS A total of 10% of the study sample were current smokers at baseline. At baseline, smoking tobacco was associated with high levels of psychological distress (absolute difference 13%, 95% CI 10%; 15%), advanced age (50-59 years: 11%, CI 10%; 13%), and hazardous alcohol use (4%, CI 3%; 5%) compared to their counterparts. Higher education (-5%, CI -6%; -4%), working from home (-4%, CI -5%; -4%), and higher physical activity levels (-4%, CI -5%; -3%) were associated with non-smoking. The prevalence of smoking among individuals experiencing severe psychological distress decreased slightly over time (-2% per year, CI -3%; -1%). CONCLUSIONS Smoking was associated with severe psychological distress, advanced age, and hazardous alcohol use at baseline; non-smoking was associated with high education, working from home, and high physical activity. Nevertheless, the smoking rate among individuals experiencing severe psychological distress slightly decreased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Eiken Alpers
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Karl Trygve Druckrey-Fiskaaen
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tesfaye Madebo
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ståle Pallesen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
- Alcohol & Drug Research Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Centre for Evaluation of Public Health Measures, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linn-Heidi Lunde
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Silje Mæland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Momosaka T, Saito J, Otsuki A, Yaguchi-Saito A, Fujimori M, Kuchiba A, Katanoda K, Takaku R, Shimazu T. Associations of individual characteristics and socioeconomic status with heated tobacco product harmfulness perceptions in Japan: A nationwide cross-sectional study (INFORM Study 2020). J Epidemiol 2024:JE20230177. [PMID: 38191179 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20230177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
IntroductionIn Japan, heated tobacco products (HTPs) are promoted by the tobacco industry as reduced-risk tobacco products despite the lack of evidence for this claim. This study determined the distribution of HTP-harmfulness perception and identify the explanatory factors associated with the perception of HTP as less harmful than conventional cigarettes.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted with Japanese people aged 20 years or older (INFORM Study 2020) using a self-administered questionnaire. We performed descriptive analysis and weighted logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between explanatory factors (e.g., individual characteristics, socioeconomic status, and trusted sources of cancer information) and the perception of HTPs as less harmful.ResultsAmong 3,420 participants (response rate: 35.2%), the proportions of those who perceived HTPs as less harmful were 40.3% and 18.3% for users and non-users of tobacco, respectively. For participants aged 20-39 years, the proportion were 49.9% and 30.4%, respectively. Among 1,160 non-tobacco users who were familiar with HTPs, male, aged under 39 years, and had lower education were associated with the perception of HTPs as less harmful. Trusted sources of cancer information were not associated with the perception of HTPs as less harmful.ConclusionsThis study showed that, among non-tobacco users, being male, aged under 39 years, and lower education were associated with a perception of HTPs as less harmful. Public health stakeholders should provide the latest evidence about HTP harmfulness in their daily practice, and strengthen the regulations on HTP marketing directed at both tobacco- and non-tobacco users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Momosaka
- Division of Behavioral Sciences, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control
- School of International and Public Policy, Hitotsubashi University
| | - Junko Saito
- Division of Behavioral Sciences, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control
| | - Aki Otsuki
- Division of Behavioral Sciences, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control
| | - Akiko Yaguchi-Saito
- Division of Behavioral Sciences, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Tokiwa University
| | - Maiko Fujimori
- Division of Survivorship Research, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control
| | - Aya Kuchiba
- Graduate School of Health Innovation, Kanagawa University of Human Services
- Division of Biostatistical Research, Institution for Cancer Control/Biostatistics Division, Center for Research Administration and Support, National Cancer Center
| | - Kota Katanoda
- Division of Population Data Science, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control
| | - Reo Takaku
- School of International and Public Policy, Hitotsubashi University
| | - Taichi Shimazu
- Division of Behavioral Sciences, National Cancer Center Institute for Cancer Control
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Morikawa M, Lee S, Makino K, Harada K, Katayama O, Tomida K, Yamaguchi R, Nishijima C, Fujii K, Misu Y, Shimada H. Social isolation and risk of disability in older adults: Effect modification of metabolic syndrome. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 116:105209. [PMID: 37782966 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Delaying the onset of disabilities is a social challenge, especially in an aging society. Social isolation (SI) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) can coexist and pose the risks of disability onset. However, their interaction is not proven in older adults. Therefore, this study investigated whether SI combined with MetS exacerbates disability onset in older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 3,738 community-dwelling older adults underwent a health check-up. After baseline assessments, we followed them up to assess disability incidence for five years. SI was defined as a condition in which two or more of the following measures were met: domestic isolation, less social contact, and social disengagement. MetS was defined according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. We used Cox proportional hazard regression used to identify the interaction effect of SI and MetS on the risk of disability onset after adjusting for potential confounding factors. RESULTS Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression showed a significant interaction effect of SI and MetS on disability onset. In the subgroup analysis stratified by MetS status, SI was identified as a risk factor for disability onset only in the MetS group, but not in the non-MetS group. CONCLUSIONS This five-year longitudinal study showed that the co-occurrence of SI and MetS increased the risk of disability onset in older adults. This indicates that the assessment of MetS in socially isolated older adults is important for healthcare providers to delay the onset of disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Morikawa
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan.
| | - Sangyoon Lee
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Keitaro Makino
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Kenji Harada
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Osamu Katayama
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Kouki Tomida
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamaguchi
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Chiharu Nishijima
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Kazuya Fujii
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Yuka Misu
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shimada
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Aichi 474-8511, Japan
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Kaur N, Stephens C. An Examination of Coping Strategies that Moderated the Effects of COVID-19-Related Stress on Anxiety Among Older Adults in Aotearoa/NZ. J Aging Health 2023:8982643231199141. [PMID: 37655482 PMCID: PMC11287957 DOI: 10.1177/08982643231199141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: 1. To describe perceived stress and changes in anxiety and coping among older adults between 2018 and 2020. 2. To examine the moderating roles of social support, exercise, alcohol use, and smoking on the relationship between perceived stress and anxiety. Methods: Longitudinal data collected from 3275 participants (M = 68.1 years) as part of the NZ Health, Work, and Retirement study's 2018 and 2020 biennial surveys, were analyzed using hierarchical regression. Results: Older adults perceived COVID-19 as a low-level source of stress. Social support and alcohol use moderated the relationship between perceived mental stress and anxiety. At high-stress levels, only social support exerted a protective effect against the negative impact of stress on anxiety. Discussion: These findings support the general resilience of many older adults and highlight the effectiveness of coping strategies used by those groups who are more likely to be vulnerable to mental stress during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Kaur
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Mamudu HM, Adzrago D, Dada O, Odame EA, Ahuja M, Awasthi M, Weierbach FM, Williams F, Stewart DW, Paul TK. Examining Disparities in Current E-Cigarette Use among U.S. Adults before and after the WHO Declaration of the COVID-19 Pandemic in March 2020. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095649. [PMID: 37174168 PMCID: PMC10177985 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper aims to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use before and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration and to delineate disparities in use across subpopulations. Data were derived from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey (N = 3865) to conduct weighted multivariable logistic regression and marginal analyses. The overall prevalence of current e-cigarette use increased from 4.79% to 8.63% after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration. Furthermore, non-Hispanic Black people and Hispanic people had lower odds of current e-cigarette use than non-Hispanic White people, but no significant differences were observed between groups before the pandemic. Compared to heterosexual participants, sexual minority (SM) participants had higher odds of current e-cigarette use after the declaration, with insignificant differences before. People who had cardiovascular disease conditions, relative to those without, had higher odds of current e-cigarette use after the declaration, but no group differences were found before the declaration. The marginal analyses showed that before and after the pandemic declaration, SM individuals had a significantly higher probability of using e-cigarettes compared to heterosexual individuals. These findings suggest the importance of adopting a subpopulation approach to understand and develop initiatives to address substance use, such as e-cigarettes, during pandemics and other public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadii M Mamudu
- College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Risk Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - David Adzrago
- Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research and School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Oluwabunmi Dada
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Murray State University, 157 Industry and Technology Center, Murray, KY 42071, USA
| | - Emmanuel A Odame
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Ryals Public Health Building (RPHB), University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Manik Ahuja
- College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Risk Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Manul Awasthi
- College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Center for Cardiovascular Risk Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Florence M Weierbach
- Center for Cardiovascular Risk Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- College of Nursing, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Faustine Williams
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David W Stewart
- Center for Cardiovascular Risk Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
| | - Timir K Paul
- Center for Cardiovascular Risk Research, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
- Division of Medicine, University of Tennessee at Nashville/Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital, Nashville, TN 37205, USA
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Sparrock LS, Phan L, Chen-Sankey J, Hacker K, Ajith A, Jewett B, Choi K. Heated Tobacco Products: Awareness, Beliefs, Use and Susceptibility among US Adult Current Tobacco Users, 2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2016. [PMID: 36767383 PMCID: PMC9915028 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Limited data exist on the awareness, beliefs, and use of heated tobacco products (HTPs). Data from 1583 U.S. adult (age ≥ 21 years) current tobacco users were collected in 2021. Participants self-reported HTP awareness, beliefs, use, and susceptibility, as well as current tobacco product use and sociodemographics. We used weighted logistic and multinomial regression models to explore their associations. Overall, 23.6% were aware of, 8.9% had ever used, and 3.0% currently used HTPs. Younger individuals (vs. 61+ years), those with annual income $50,000+ (vs. <$50,000), and those currently using electronic vaping products (vs. non-users) were more likely to be aware of, to have ever used, and to currently be using HTPs (p < 0.05). Black individuals (vs. White) were more likely to report ever and current HTP use (p < 0.05). Current cigarette smoking was not associated with HTP awareness and use (p > 0.05). Holding favorable HTP beliefs was associated with susceptibility to and more advanced HTP use statuses (p < 0.05). Sociodemographics associated with HTP use may reflect HTP marketing strategies. The lack of association with cigarette smoking suggests HTPs may be unlikely cigarette substitutes. Addressing favorable HTP-related beliefs may prevent dual use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lilianna Phan
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Julia Chen-Sankey
- Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kiana Hacker
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aniruddh Ajith
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Bambi Jewett
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kelvin Choi
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Mao Y, Zhao Y, Eriksen M, Huang J, Redmon P, Spears C, Zheng P. Changes in cigarette consumption and intention to quit in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Tob Induc Dis 2023; 21:37. [PMID: 36909813 PMCID: PMC9996568 DOI: 10.18332/tid/160064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Significant changes occurred in the way people socialize and interact with each other since China reported its first COVID-19 cases. However, little is known about how smoking behaviors may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The aim of this study was to assess changes in smoking behavior and intention to quit during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and to investigate the associated factors. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Chinese adult smokers. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling from 19 March to 2 April 2020. RESULTS A total of 1388 smokers participated in this study. Of those, 1014 (73.0%) reported not changing their cigarette consumption, 104 (7.5%) reported smoking more and 268 (19.3%) reported smoking less due to the pandemic. Average daily cigarette consumption among all participants decreased from 15.0 (IQR: 10.0-20.0) to 13.0 (IQR: 8.0-20.0) (W=6.919, p<0.001). For intention to quit, 270 (19.5%) respondents reported becoming more willing to quit, and 91 (6.6%) reported becoming less willing to quit. Multivariate analyses showed that tobacco addiction, overall knowledge about the relationship between smoking and COVID-19, level of attention devoted to COVID-19, anxiety, living alone, and number of smokers in the family were significantly correlated with cigarette consumption and intention to quit, and living alone was the strongest factor associated with increased cigarette consumption (AOR=5.29; 95% CI: 1.51-18.56). CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic led to a slight decrease in cigarette consumption and an increase in quitting intention among Chinese smokers. During the early stages of the pandemic, it was important to focus on the anxiety of smokers, dispel smokers' misunderstandings of smoking and COVID-19 and create a supporting environment in the family to help smokers quit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Mao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Zhao
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael Eriksen
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Jidong Huang
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Pamela Redmon
- Global Health Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Claire Spears
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Pinpin Zheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Institute of Health Communication, Key Lab of Public Health Safety of Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Odani S, Koyama S, Katsumi Y, Miyashiro I. Attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination during the state of emergency in Osaka, Japan. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279481. [PMID: 36584068 PMCID: PMC9803118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccination for general population started on April 12, 2021, in Osaka, Japan. We investigated public attitudes toward vaccination and associated factors of vaccine hesitancy during the third state of emergency. METHODS An internet-based, self-reported, cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2021, using the smartphone health app for residents of Osaka aged ≥18 years. Respondents were asked about their attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine. Responses "Don't want to receive vaccines" or "Don't know" were defined as vaccine hesitancy (vs. "Received [1st dose]", "Received [2nd dose]", or "Want to receive vaccines"). Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between hesitancy and population characteristics. RESULTS 23,214 individuals (8,482 men & 14,732 women) were included in the analysis. Proportions that answered "Received (1st dose)", "Received (2nd dose)", "Want to receive vaccines", "Don't want to receive vaccines", "Don't know", and "Don't want to answer" were 14.6%, 3.8%, 70.6%, 4.3%, 6.1%, and 0.5% among men; and 11.3%, 6.0%, 64.9%, 6.2%, 11.0%, and 0.6% among women. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included being a woman (aPR = 1.33; 95%CI = 1.23-1.44), age 18-39 (aPR = 7.00; 95%CI = 6.01-8.17) and 40-64 years (aPR = 4.25; 95%CI = 3.71-4.88 vs. 65+ years), living alone (aPR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.08-1.30 vs. living with 3+ members), non-full-time employment and unemployment (aPRs ranged 1.12 to 1.49 vs. full-time employment), cardiovascular diseases/hypertension (aPR = 0.72; 95%CI = 0.65-0.81), and pregnancy (women of reproductive age only) (aPR = 1.35; 95%CI = 1.03-1.76). CONCLUSIONS Most respondents expressed favorable attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination while hesitancy was disproportionately high in certain populations. Efforts are needed to ensure accessible vaccine information resources and healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Odani
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Shihoko Koyama
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichi Katsumi
- Health Promotion Division, Department of Public Health and Medical Affairs, Osaka Prefectural Government, Osaka, Japan
| | - Isao Miyashiro
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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11
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Guignard R, Quatremère G, Pasquereau A, Jartoux C, Salvaing L, Caline G, Beck F, Nguyen Thanh V. Barriers Against and Motivations for Quitting Smoking during the COVID-19 Health Crisis: Results of a Qualitative Study in France. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13051. [PMID: 36293628 PMCID: PMC9602125 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic and its psychological, economic and social consequences could have an impact on the evolution of tobacco-smoking prevalence and attitudes towards quitting. The aim of this study is to analyse the specific characteristics of the motivations for and barriers against smoking cessation in this period. The study is based on qualitative data collected from late 2020 to early 2021 in France from 89 smokers with a low or intermediate socio-economic level. Among the motivations for quitting smoking, health concerns and the financial cost of cigarettes carried increased importance among the smokers in this period. Inversely, perceived stress, isolation, and a lack of social or healthcare support prevented some smokers from attempting to quit. These results are useful for explaining the evolution of smoking prevalence and preparing future interventions in the context of the health crisis and its aftermath. They highlight the relevance of educational messages, of the promotion of validated smoking-cessation aids and, in particular, remote support, as well as the implementation of community-based actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Guignard
- Santé Publique France, The French National Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val d'Osne, CEDEX, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Guillemette Quatremère
- Santé Publique France, The French National Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val d'Osne, CEDEX, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Anne Pasquereau
- Santé Publique France, The French National Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val d'Osne, CEDEX, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Cécile Jartoux
- Santé Publique France, The French National Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val d'Osne, CEDEX, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Laure Salvaing
- Kantar Public, 3 Avenue Pierre Masse, 75014 Paris, France
| | | | - François Beck
- Santé Publique France, The French National Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val d'Osne, CEDEX, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Viêt Nguyen Thanh
- Santé Publique France, The French National Public Health Agency, 12 Rue Du Val d'Osne, CEDEX, 94415 Saint-Maurice, France
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12
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Barbouzas AE, Malli F, Daniil Z, Gourgoulianis K. Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Sleep Quality and Lifestyle in Young Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12333. [PMID: 36231637 PMCID: PMC9564795 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Due to the evolution of COVID-19,restrictive measures were implemented. The quarantine resulted in significant changes in the social, economic, and psychological status of the population; however, its long-term effects have not yet been elucidated, especially in young adults. In the present study, people aged 18-25 years were studied, in relation to their sleeping, smoking, eating, and drinking habits and their physical activity before, during, and after the implementation of quarantine. We included 540 respondents (21.2 ± 2.3 years, 62.8% female). During quarantine, from 23 March to 4 May 2020, we observed an increase in sleep hours by 1.17 ± 1.98 h (p < 0.001), time of sleep arrival by 11.90 ± 30.41 min (p < 0.001), and number of daily meals by 0.66 ± 1.4 (p < 0.001). The subjects who consumed alcoholic beverages never or almost never had an upward change of 27.04%, and the time of daily exercise was reduced by 10.16 ± 48.68 min (p < 0.001). After quarantine, cigarettes per day increased by 1.14 ± 3.62 (p < 0.001) and the awakenings during night time increased by 0.37 ± 1.93 (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that the quarantine brought about significant changes in smoking, sleeping habits, physical activity, dietary habits, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, some of which continue after its termination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Foteini Malli
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
- RespiratoryDisorders Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Gaiopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Zoe Daniil
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
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13
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Hosokawa Y, Zaitsu M, Okawa S, Morisaki N, Hori A, Nishihama Y, Nakayama SF, Fujiwara T, Hamada H, Satoh T, Tabuchi T. Association between Heated Tobacco Product Use during Pregnancy and Fetal Growth in Japan: A Nationwide Web-Based Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11826. [PMID: 36142098 PMCID: PMC9517232 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Combustible cigarette smoking impacts fetal growth during pregnancy. However, the risk associated with heated tobacco products (HTPs) remains unclear. This nationwide cross-sectional study investigated whether HTP use during pregnancy is associated with small for gestational age (SGA) outcomes among 5647 post-delivery women with singleton pregnancies, which were divided into four groups: lifetime never-smokers, former smokers before pregnancy, and current smokers for each of the tobacco products during pregnancy (sole HTP and sole combustion smokers). Information on the prevalence of SGA, defined as birth weight and height below the 10th percentile, was retrieved from the Maternal and Child Health Handbooks of post-delivery women. Using logistic regression, the association between sole HTP smokers during pregnancy and SGA, adjusted for covariates, with lifetime never-smokers as reference, was investigated. The prevalence was: current sole HTP smokers during pregnancy, 1.8% (102/5647); and SGA, 2.9% (164/5647). Sole HTP smokers during pregnancy had a higher prevalence of SGA (5.9% [6/102] vs. 2.7% [111/4144]) with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.50 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-6.05) than lifetime never-smokers. Among sole combustion smokers, the adjusted OR for SGA was 1.95 (95% CI, 0.81-4.67). In Japan, HTP smoking during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk for SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Hosokawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Zaitsu
- Center for Research of the Aging Workforce, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu 807-8556, Japan
| | - Sumiyo Okawa
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Naho Morisaki
- Department of Social Medicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Ai Hori
- Department of Global Public Health, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Yukiko Nishihama
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Shoji F. Nakayama
- Japan Environment and Children’s Study Programme Office, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hiromi Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Toyomi Satoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka 541-8567, Japan
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14
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Benowitz NL, Goniewicz ML, Halpern-Felsher B, Krishnan-Sarin S, Ling PM, O'Connor RJ, Pentz MA, Robertson RM, Bhatnagar A. Tobacco product use and the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19: current understanding and recommendations for future research. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2022; 10:900-915. [PMID: 35985357 PMCID: PMC9381032 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(22)00182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Heterogeneity in the clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 progression underscores the urgent need to identify individual-level susceptibility factors that affect infection vulnerability and disease severity. Tobacco product use is a potential susceptibility factor. In this Personal View, we provide an overview of the findings of peer-reviewed, published studies relating tobacco product use to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 outcomes, with most studies focusing on cigarette smoking in adults. Findings pertaining to the effects of tobacco product use on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection are inconsistent. However, evidence supports a role for cigarette smoking in increasing the risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission, progression in disease severity, and COVID-19-related mortality. We discuss the potential effects of tobacco use behaviour on SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infection, and highlight the pathophysiological changes associated with cigarette smoking that could promote SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased disease severity. We consider the biological mechanisms by which nicotine and other tobacco product constituents might affect immune and inflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we identify current knowledge gaps and suggest priorities for research to address acute and post-acute health outcomes of COVID-19 during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal L Benowitz
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maciej L Goniewicz
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Pamela M Ling
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Richard J O'Connor
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mary Ann Pentz
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rose Marie Robertson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Aruni Bhatnagar
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
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15
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Salazar-Fernández C, Mawditt C, Palet D, Haeger PA, Román Mella F. Changes in the clustering of health-related behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: examining predictors using latent transition analysis. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1446. [PMID: 35906590 PMCID: PMC9338510 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13854-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on daily life, affecting both physical and mental health. Changes arising from the pandemic may longitudinally impact health-related behaviors (HRB). As different HRBs co-occur, in this study, we explore how six HRBs - alcohol (past-week and binge-drinking), tobacco, marijuana, benzodiazepine use, and unhealthy food consumption - were grouped and changed over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 1038 university students and staff (18 to 73 years old) of two universities completed an online psychometrically adequate survey regarding their recalled HRB (T0, pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and the impact of COVID-19 on their behaviors during July (T1) and November (T2). Latent Transition Analysis (LTA) was used to identify HRB cluster membership and how clusters changed across T0, T1, and T2. Four clusters emerged, but remained mainly stable over time: ‘Lower risk’ (65.2–80%), ‘Smokers and drinkers’ (1.5–0.01%), ‘Binge-drinkers and marijuana users’ (27.6–13.9%), and ‘Smokers and binge-drinkers’ (5.6–5.8%). Participants who moved from one cluster to another lowered their HRB across time, migrating from the ‘Binge-drinkers and marijuana users’ cluster to ‘Lower risk’. Participants in this cluster were characterized as less affected economically by the COVID-19 pandemic, with lower reported stress levels, anxiety, depression, and loneliness than the other clusters. Our results provide evidence of how HRBs clustered together and transitioned longitudinally during the COVID-19 pandemic. HRB clustering across time offers a valuable piece of information for the tailoring of interventions to improve HRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Salazar-Fernández
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54D, 4811230, Temuco, Chile.,Departamento de Análisis de Datos, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | | | - Daniela Palet
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54D, 4811230, Temuco, Chile
| | - Paola A Haeger
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Francisca Román Mella
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54D, 4811230, Temuco, Chile.
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16
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Koyama S, Aida J, Mori Y, Okawa S, Odani S, Miyashiro I. COVID-19 Effects on Income and Dental Visits: A Cross-sectional Study. JDR Clin Trans Res 2022; 7:307-314. [PMID: 35533247 DOI: 10.1177/23800844221094479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In April 2020, the Japanese government declared a state of emergency owing to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which resulted in reduced workforce and job losses. Furthermore, income is one of the most consistent predictors of dental visits. Therefore, this study examined the association between income changes and dental clinic visits during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Japan. METHODS An online, self-reported cross-sectional survey about health activities including dental visits during the first COVID-19 state of emergency was conducted in Osaka, Japan (June 23 to July 12, 2020). Among participants with toothaches, the assessment for the association between "refrained from visiting a dentist despite wanting treatment for toothache during the state of emergency (refrained treatment)" and income changes before and after the state of emergency using a multivariate Poisson regression model adjusted for sex, age, self-rated health, frequency of regular dental visits, and employment status. RESULTS Among 27,575 participants, 3,895 (14.1%) had toothaches, and 1,906 (6.9%) reported refrained treatment. Among people with decreased income (n = 8,152, 29.6% of overall participants), the proportions of the refrained treatment group were 8.0% (income decreased by 1%-49%), 9.9% (50%-99% decreased), and 9.1% (100% decreased). Among participants with toothache, after adjusting for all variables, compared with participants with no income change, we observed significantly higher prevalence ratios (PRs) for refrained treatment in those who experienced a decreased income owing to COVID-19 (1%-49% decrease: PR = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.005-1.17; 50%-99% decrease: PR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.32; 100% decrease: PR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04-1.33). CONCLUSION Decreased income was associated with refrained dental treatment during the COVID-19 state of emergency in Osaka, Japan. The economic damage related to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to oral health inequalities. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT Our study found that individuals with decreased income owing to COVID-19 before and after the state of emergency showed significantly higher prevalence ratios for refraining from visiting a dentist despite wanting treatment for toothache. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution because it provides novel, basic data that economic damages related to the COVID-19 pandemic might expand to oral health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Koyama
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - J Aida
- Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Mori
- Department of Public Health and Medical Affairs, Osaka Prefectural Government, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - S Okawa
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - S Odani
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - I Miyashiro
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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17
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Satoh M, Murakami T, Obara T, Metoki H. Time-series analysis of blood pressure changes after the guideline update in 2019 and the coronavirus disease pandemic in 2020 using Japanese longitudinal data. Hypertens Res 2022; 45:1408-1417. [PMID: 35718828 PMCID: PMC9206892 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-022-00961-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We assessed blood pressure (BP) changes during fiscal years (April to March of the following year) 2015–2020 to clarify the effect of the state of emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020. We then considered BP in 2019 separately, as the Japanese hypertension guidelines were updated in 2019. The present retrospective cohort study extracted data from 157,510 Japanese individuals aged <75 years (mean age: 50.3 years, men: 67.5%) from the annual health check-up data of the DeSC database. The trends in BP were assessed using a repeated measures linear mixed model. After adjusting for the month of health check-ups to exclude seasonal BP variation, systolic BP linearly increased during fiscal years 2015–2018. From the value estimated by the trend in 2015–2018, systolic BP was lower by ≤1 mmHg in fiscal year 2019 among the treated participants. Meanwhile, systolic/diastolic BP (95% confidence interval) increased by 2.11 (1.97–2.24)/1.05 (0.96–1.14) mmHg for untreated women (n = 43,292), 1.60 (1.51–1.70)/1.17 (1.11–1.24) mmHg for untreated men (n = 88,479), 1.92 (1.60–2.23)/0.46 (0.25–0.67) mmHg for treated women (n = 7855), and 1.00 (0.79–1.21)/0.39 (0.25–0.53) mmHg for treated men (n = 17,884) in fiscal year 2020. These increases remained time-dependent covariates after adjustments for age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, and blood sampling indices. Social change due to the pandemic might have increased BP by approximately 1–2/0.5–1 mmHg. Meanwhile, only a slight decrease in BP was observed immediately after the guideline update in Japan. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiro Satoh
- Division of Public Health, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan. .,Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Takahisa Murakami
- Division of Public Health, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Division of Aging and Geriatric Dentistry, Department of Rehabilitation Dentistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai, Japan
| | - Taku Obara
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hirohito Metoki
- Division of Public Health, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Tohoku Institute for Management of Blood Pressure, Sendai, Japan
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18
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Zubović J, Zdravković A, Jovanović O. Smoking patterns during COVID-19: Evidence from Serbia. Tob Induc Dis 2022; 20:51. [PMID: 35702649 PMCID: PMC9150906 DOI: 10.18332/tid/148169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent research shows that in many countries, smokers who increased smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic outnumbered those who decreased it, despite higher exposure to COVID-19 severity and death. In this study, we compared changes in smoking behavior in the initial and later stages of the pandemic and factors associated with lower smoking intensity. METHODS We conducted two survey rounds on representative samples, the first in the initial stage of the pandemic (11–19 May 2020) and the second in the latter stage (4–11 June 2021), in Serbia. Multinomial logistic regression was run to estimate associations between smokers’ characteristics and lower smoking intensity. In contrast to most studies that assess psychological factors affecting smoking in the pandemic, we focused on factual determinants of the change in smoking intensity. RESULTS The share of smokers who claimed to smoke more increased significantly, from 22.7% in May 2020 to 35.2% in June 2021. The share of smokers who reported a decrease in smoking only slightly increased, from 11.7% to 13.3%. The persistence of the pandemic considerably increased intentions to cease smoking, from 26.3% to 40%. Higher education (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=2.11; 95% CI: 1.08–4.13), income fall (AOR=2.14; 95% CI: 1.11–4.11), occasional smoking (AOR=4.24; 95% CI: 2.26–7.96) and recovery from COVID-19 (AOR=2.38; 95% CI: 1.23–4.60) increased the odds to reduce smoking during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Most smokers are unaware that consuming tobacco products increases exposure to health risks related to COVID-19, but those who get coronavirus infected tend to reduce smoking. This research highlights that tobacco control policy needs to be more proactive in creating public campaigns which demonstrate the severity of COVID-19 impact on smokers’ health. Such campaigns should mainly target those groups of smokers who are less able to curb their smoking intensity.
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19
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Kumar N, Janmohamed K, Nyhan K, Martins SS, Cerda M, Hasin D, Scott J, Sarpong Frimpong A, Pates R, Ghandour LA, Wazaify M, Khoshnood K. Substance, use in relation to COVID-19: A scoping review. Addict Behav 2022; 127:107213. [PMID: 34959077 PMCID: PMC8684053 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background We conducted a scoping review focused on various forms of substance use amid the pandemic, looking at both the impact of substance use on COVID-19 infection, severity, and vaccine uptake, as well as the impact that COVID-19 has had on substance use treatment and rates. Methods A scoping review, compiling both peer-reviewed and grey literature, focusing on substance use and COVID-19 was conducted on September 15, 2020 and again in April 15, 2021 to capture any new studies. Three bibliographic databases (Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, PubMed) and several preprint servers (EuropePMC, bioRxiv, medRxiv, F1000, PeerJ Preprints, PsyArXiv, Research Square) were searched. We included English language original studies only. Results Of 1564 articles screened in the abstract and title screening phase, we included 111 research studies (peer-reviewed: 98, grey literature: 13) that met inclusion criteria. There was limited research on substance use other than those involving tobacco or alcohol. We noted that individuals engaging in substance use had increased risk for COVID-19 severity, and Black Americans with COVID-19 and who engaged in substance use had worse outcomes than white Americans. There were issues with treatment provision earlier in the pandemic, but increased use of telehealth as the pandemic progressed. COVID-19 anxiety was associated with increased substance use. Conclusions Our scoping review of studies to date during COVID-19 uncovered notable research gaps namely the need for research efforts on vaccines, COVID-19 concerns such as anxiety and worry, and low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) and under-researched topics within substance use, and to explore the use of qualitative techniques and interventions where appropriate. We also noted that clinicians can screen and treat individuals exhibiting substance use to mitigate effects of the pandemic. Funding Study was funded by the Institution for Social and Policy Studies, Yale University and The Horowitz Foundation for Social Policy. DH was funded by a NIDA grant (R01DA048860). The funding body had no role in the design, analysis, or interpretation of the data in the study.
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20
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Sun Y, Wang MP, Cheung YTD, Ho SY, Luk TT, Zhao S, Wu YS, Wong BYM, Weng X, Chen J, Zhang X, Leung LT, Chak KY, Lam TH. Changes in tobacco use at the early stage of the COVID-19
pandemic: Results of four cross-sectional surveys in Hong Kong. Tob Induc Dis 2022; 20:26. [PMID: 35342385 PMCID: PMC8895477 DOI: 10.18332/tid/145935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Changes in tobacco use since the COVID-19 outbreak differed by countries and little is known about changes in the use of specific tobacco products. METHODS We analyzed data from four cross-sectional telephone/online surveys from April to June 2020 to investigate such changes since the 1st and 2nd wave outbreaks (February to April 2020) in Hong Kong. The respondents were 1595 adults (83.2% male) who used tobacco before the COVID-19 outbreak from our previous intervention study and surveys. We investigated the changes in tobacco use, intention to quit and quit attempts during the outbreak. RESULTS About two-thirds (65.3%) of respondents reported no change in overall tobacco use, while 23.1% used less (including cessation) and 11.6% used more, resulting in a net decrease of 11.5 percentage points. A greater net decrease was observed for cigarettes (14.3% points) than heated tobacco products (HTPs, 3.3% points) and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, 2.5% points). Decreased use was mainly due to the more extended stay at home (63.2%), health considerations (52.6%) and mask-wearing (47.4%), while increased use was for passing time (75.0%) and releasing stress (46.4%). Eight percent of cigarette, HTP and e-cigarette users reported a higher intention to quit since the pandemic outbreak. Nineteen percent of tobacco users (176/948) attempted to quit during the pandemic. Only 2.9% (46/1569) were abstinent at the time of the survey. CONCLUSIONS Overall tobacco use decreased after the first two waves of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong. A greater proportion of cigarette users decreased use than HTP and e-cigarette users. Given the different methods used in the four surveys, future studies should aim for a large and representative sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Sun
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man Ping Wang
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Sai Yin Ho
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tzu Tsun Luk
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shengzhi Zhao
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Bonny Yee-Man Wong
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xue Weng
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jianjiu Chen
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lok Tung Leung
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kin Yeung Chak
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tai Hing Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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21
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Use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:702. [PMID: 35027590 PMCID: PMC8758672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a few studies investigated changes in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) and heated tobacco product (HTP) use during pandemic restrictions. We conducted a web-based cross-sectional study of a representative sample of 6,003 Italian adults during the strictest phase of the Covid-19 lockdown (April–May 2020). Participants were asked to report changes in e-cigarette and HTP use compared to before the pandemic. E-cigarette users increased from 8.1% to 9.1% and HTP users from 4.0% to 4.5%. Among e-cigarette non-users before lockdown, 1.8% started using e-cigarettes during lockdown. New users were more frequently younger (p for trend 0.001), men (odds ratio, OR 1.56; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.03–2.34), cannabis users (OR 2.35; 95% CI: 1.33–4.13), gamblers (OR 3.34; 95% CI: 2.18–5.11) and individuals with anxiety symptoms (OR 1.58; 95% CI: 1.00–2.52). 1.0% of HTP non-users started using it during lockdown. New users were less frequently current than never cigarette smokers (OR 0.19; 95% CI: 0.06–0.61) and more frequently gamblers (OR 2.23; 95% CI: 1.22–4.07). E-cigarettes and HTPs played little role as smoking cessation tools for hardcore smokers but rather provided opportunities for young never smokers to engage in socially acceptable activities, perhaps reflecting the obstacles they faced in obtaining other addictive substances during confinement.
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22
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Kang E, Lee H, Sohn JH, Yun J, Lee JY, Hong YC. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Health Status and Behaviors of Adults in Korea: National Cross-sectional Web-Based Self-report Survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e31635. [PMID: 34653017 PMCID: PMC8629347 DOI: 10.2196/31635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has radically shifted living practices, thereby influencing changes in the health status and behaviors of every person. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the self-reported health status and health behaviors along with any associated factors in adults in the Republic of Korea wherein no stringent lockdown measures were implemented during the pandemic. Methods We conducted a web-based self-reported survey from November 2020 to December 2020. The study participants (N=2097) were identified through quota sampling by age, sex, and geographical regions among residents aged 19 years or older in Korea. The survey collected information on basic demographics, changes in self-reported health status, and health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-reported health status and health behaviors were categorized into 3 groups: unchanged, improved, or worsened. A chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results With regard to changes in the self-reported health status, the majority (1478/2097, 70.5%) of the participants reported that their health was unchanged, while 20% (420/2097) of the participants reported having worser health after the COVID-19 outbreak. With regard to changes in health behaviors, the proportion of participants who increased tobacco consumption was similar to that of those who decreased tobacco consumption (110/545, 20.2% vs 106/545, 19.5%, respectively), while the proportion of those who decreased their drinking frequency was more than twice as many as those who increased their drinking frequency (578/1603, 36.1% vs 270/1603, 16.8%, respectively). Further, those who decreased their exercising frequency were more than those who increased their exercising frequency (333/823, 15.9% vs 211/823, 10%, respectively). The factor that had the greatest influence on lifestyle was age. In the subgroup analysis, the group aged 20-29 years had the highest number of individuals with both a worsened (100/377, 26.5%) and an improved (218/377, 15.7%) health status. Further, individuals aged 20-29 years had greater odds of increased smoking (6.44, 95% CI 2.15-19.32), increased alcohol use (4.64, 95% CI 2.60-8.28), and decreased moderate or higher intensity aerobic exercise (3.39, 95% CI 1.82-6.33) compared to individuals aged 60 years and older. Younger adults showed deteriorated health behaviors, while older adults showed improved health behaviors. Conclusions The health status and the behavior of the majority of the Koreans were not found to be heavily affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. However, in some cases, changes in health status or health behavior were identified. This study highlighted that some groups were overwhelmingly affected by COVID-19 compared to others. Certain groups reported experiencing both worsening and improving health, while other groups reported unchanged health status. Age was the most influential factor for behavior change; in particular, the younger generation’s negative health behaviors need more attention in terms of public health. As COVID-19 prolongs, public health interventions for vulnerable groups may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- EunKyo Kang
- National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Family Medicine, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Hoon Sohn
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatrics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Yun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Yong Lee
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Research Institute, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Chul Hong
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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23
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Han MA, Kim HR. Smoking Behavior Changes during COVID-19 among Korean Adults. Am J Health Behav 2021; 45:1031-1040. [PMID: 34969414 DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.45.6.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, we investigated the changes in smoking behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak in Korea in 2020. We also examined the influence of general characteristics and mental health problems due to COVID-19 on changes in smoking behavior. METHODS We collected data from August to October 2020 from adults aged 19 years and older from the Korea Community Health Survey (N=229,269). RESULTS Among current smokers (N=39,534), 11.0% reported an increase in smoking, and 12.8% reported a decrease in smoking. Overall, 33.3% reported perceived stress and 3.7% reported depression. Participants reported COVID-related anxiety about infecting family (83.0%), economic damage (76.3%), blame or harm from others (66.5%), infection (60.6%), and death (31.3%). Lower education level, living alone, and poor subjective health status were associated with increased smoking. Being a woman and being of older age were associated with decreased smoking. Stress, depression, and anxiety about economic damage due to COVID-19 were more likely to result in increased smoking. Anxiety related to death due to COVID-19 was more likely to result in decreased smoking. CONCLUSION These findings provide insight into the changes in smoking behavior caused by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ah Han
- Mi Ah Han, Professor, Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Dong-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Ran Kim
- Hae Ran Kim, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing College of Medicine, Chosun University, Dong-gu, Gwangju, Republic of Korea;,
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24
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Ichikawa M, Inada H, Hori A, Tabuchi T. Tobacco Advertising During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan. J Epidemiol 2021; 31:451-452. [PMID: 33840656 PMCID: PMC8187610 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20210151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masao Ichikawa
- Department of Global Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Inada
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ai Hori
- Department of Global Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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25
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Gravely S, Craig LV, Cummings KM, Ouimet J, Loewen R, Martin N, Chung-Hall J, Driezen P, Hitchman SC, McNeill A, Hyland A, Quah ACK, O’Connor RJ, Borland R, Thompson ME, Boudreau C, Fong GT. Smokers' cognitive and behavioural reactions during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from the 2020 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252427. [PMID: 34086706 PMCID: PMC8177641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, and smoking adversely impacts the respiratory and immune systems; this confluence may therefore incentivize smokers to quit. The present study, conducted in four high-income countries during the first global wave of COVID-19, examined the association between COVID-19 and: (1) thoughts about quitting smoking; (2) changes in smoking (quit attempt, reduced or increased smoking, or no change); and (3) factors related to a positive change (making a quit attempt or reducing smoking) based on an adapted framework of the Health Belief Model. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 6870 adult smokers participating in the Wave 3 (2020) ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey conducted in Australia, Canada, England, and United States (US). These four countries had varying responses to the pandemic by governments and public health, ranging from advising voluntary social distancing to implementing national and subnational staged lockdowns. Considering these varying responses, and the differences in the number of confirmed cases and deaths (greatest in England and the US and lowest in Australia), smoking behaviours related to COVID-19 may have differed between countries. Other factors that may be related to changes in smoking because of COVID-19 were also explored (e.g., sociodemographics, nicotine dependence, perceptions about personal and general risks of smoking on COVID-19). Regression analyses were conducted on weighted data. RESULTS Overall, 46.7% of smokers reported thinking about quitting because of COVID-19, which differed by country (p<0.001): England highest (50.9%) and Australia lowest (37.6%). Thinking about quitting smoking because of COVID-19 was more frequent among: females, ethnic minorities, those with financial stress, current vapers, less dependent smokers (non-daily and fewer cigarettes smoked/day), those with greater concern about personal susceptibility of infection, and those who believe COVID-19 is more severe for smokers. Smoking behaviour changes due to COVID-19 were: 1.1% attempted to quit, 14.2% reduced smoking, and 14.6% increased smoking (70.2% reported no change). Positive behaviour change (tried to quit/reduced smoking) was reported by 15.5% of smokers, which differed by country (p = 0.02), where Australia had significantly lower rates than the other three countries. A positive behavioural smoking change was more likely among smokers with: lower dependence, greater concern about personal susceptibility to infection, and believing that COVID-19 is more severe for smokers. CONCLUSIONS Though nearly half of smokers reported thinking about quitting because of COVID-19, the vast majority did not change their smoking behaviour. Smokers were more likely to try and quit or reduce their smoking if they had greater concern about susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 related to smoking. Smokers in Australia were least likely to reduce or try to quit smoking, which could be related to the significantly lower impact of COVID-19 during the early phase of the pandemic relative to the other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Gravely
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | | | - K. Michael Cummings
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - Janine Ouimet
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Ruth Loewen
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Nadia Martin
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Janet Chung-Hall
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Pete Driezen
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Sara C. Hitchman
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Ann McNeill
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
- Shaping Public hEalth poliCies To Reduce ineqUalities and harM (SPECTRUM), Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Hyland
- Department of Health Behaviour, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Anne C. K. Quah
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Richard J. O’Connor
- Department of Health Behaviour, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Ron Borland
- School of Psychological Sciences, Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mary E. Thompson
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Christian Boudreau
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Geoffrey T. Fong
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
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26
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Nargis N, Li Q, Griffin L, Asare S, Bandi P, Majmundar A, Westmaas JL, Jemal A. Association of teleworking and smoking behavior of U.S. wage and salary workers. J Occup Health 2021; 63:e12283. [PMID: 34599638 PMCID: PMC8487165 DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a major shift in workspace from office to home. This report examined how telecommuting is related to smoking behavior of wage and salary workers. METHODS Self-reported smoking behavior of 1,390 U.S. wage and salary workers aged 16-64 years from the Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey 2018/19 were linked to the 2018 American Time Use Survey. Weighted multivariate logistic regression predicting smoking probability and generalized linear regression predicting smoking intensity were used for analysis. RESULTS Almost a fifth (19%) of wage and salary workers reported working from home and over a half (52%) reported working in telecommuting amenable occupations. Nearly 12% were current smokers, smoking 14.7 cigarettes daily on average. Compared to their counterparts, smoking prevalence (percentage points) was lower among those employed in telecommuting amenable occupations (-0.52, p < .001 for all; 0.01, p = .862 for men; -2.40, p < .001 for women) and who worked more frequently from home (-0.21, p < .001 for all; -0.76, p < .001 for men; -0.03, p = .045 for women). Smoking intensity (cigarettes per day) was lower among those employed in telecommuting amenable occupations (-3.39, p = .03 for all; -0.36, p = .90 for men; -4.30, p = .21 for women). We found no statistically significant association between smoking intensity and telecommuting frequency. CONCLUSIONS The lower likelihood of smoking and lower level of smoking intensity among telecommuting wage and salary workers suggests the need for proactive efforts to address the potential exacerbation in occupation-related smoking disparities between occupations that are and are not amenable to telecommuting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qing Li
- American Cancer SocietyAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
- Viametric Solutions LLCAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
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