Factors associated with smoking in the elderly: a health survey in São Paulo (ISA-SP)

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública 2012-03, Vol.28 (3), p.583-595
• Main Authors: Zaitune, Maria Paula do Amaral, Barros, Marilisa Berti de Azevedo, Lima, Margareth Guimarães, César, Chester Luiz Galvão, Carandina, Luana, Goldbaum, Moisés, Alves, Maria Cecilia Goi Porto
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Brazil; Brazil - epidemiology; Cancer; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression (Psychology); Elderly; Female; Health Care Services; Health Surveys - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Illness; Intervention; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sex Distribution; Sex Factors; Smoking; Smoking - epidemiology; Socioeconomic Factors
• ISSN: 0102-311X; 1678-4464

This article reports on smoking prevalence and associated factors in the elderly, based on a population-based cross-sectional study with multi-stage sampling including 1,954 individuals 60 years or older living in four areas of São Paulo State, Brazil. Overall smoking prevalence was 12.2%, and higher rates were associated with male gender, age 60-69 years, not belonging to an Evangelical church, lower income, low body weight, lack of leisure-time physical activity, depression/anxiety, and hypertension. There was a high prevalence of smokers among individuals with a history of stroke, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The results point to the need for effective interventions in healthcare services to promote smoking cessation among the elderly, since many are unable to stop on their own, even when they have tobacco-related illnesses. Special attention should be paid to individuals that depend on the National Health System, since smoking prevalence is higher in underprivileged socioeconomic groups.