The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #60229

Jeannine S. Schiller, MPH and Hanyu Ni, PhD, MPH. Division of Health Interview Statistics, National Center for Health Statistics, 3311 Toledo Road, Room 2334, Hyattsville, MD 20782, 301 458 4470, jdv2@cdc.gov

Background and Objective: Smoking causes 90% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the U.S. and exacerbates COPD symptoms. This study assesses patterns of cigarette smoking and cessation among American adults with COPD. Methods: Combined data from the 1997-2001 National Health Interview Surveys were analyzed. Adults aged >17 years who had COPD were identified by self-report. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with smoking cessation. Results: An estimated 11.7 million (5.9%) of adults in the U.S. had COPD: 4.3 million (36.8%) were male and 7.4 million (63.2%) were female. Of those with COPD, 66.9% were ever smokers and 37.1% were current smokers. Of all age groups, persons aged >64 years who had COPD were least likely to be a current smoker. There was no difference in current smoking status between males and females. Approximately 25% of current smokers smoked >14 cigarettes per day. Although over half (53%) of smokers with COPD tried to quit during the past year, only 15.2% were successful. Successful cessation amongst smokers with COPD was associated with being aged 18-24 years and >64 years, widowed, and not poor. For current smokers with COPD, an attempt to quit smoking was positively associated with being <25 years, as well as smoking <15 cigarettes per day. Conclusion: Despite known negative effects of smoking on COPD, many with this disease continue to smoke and are unsuccessful at quitting. Strategies need to be developed and implemented by healthcare providers to target COPD patients unlikely to quit smoking.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Identify factors associated with successful smoking cessation among those with COPD.
• Recognize smoking patterns among those with COPD.
• Develop strategies to help patients with COPD to quit smoking.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.