Factors Influencing Smoking Prevalence in USA: A Population-Based Study

Introduction: Cigarette smoking imposes enormous burden on public health in USA. The number of annual deaths caused by tobacco is 4 million currently and is expected to become 10 million by 2030 [WHO 2000]. Understanding the socioeconomic factors that influence smoking prevalence can lead to more effective cessation actions. We investigate factors influencing smoking prevalence in USA. This study aims to guide educational and environmental policy changes in meeting the goals for Healthy People 2010.

Methodology: Data was collected for all US counties, for the year 2000, which is the most current county census data, from two websites: www.communityphind.org and www.censusscope.org.

Dependent variables: Smoking prevalence

Independent variables: In addition to race, poverty, and level of education, we also analyze household structure, classified into eight categories: married couple with children, married couple with no children, single female with children, single male with children, married female living alone, married male living alone, unmarried person (male or female) living alone, and partnered.

Statistical model: Multiple linear regression model is used to perform data analysis to find the relationship between smoking prevalence and socioeconomic factors. Model fitting was assessed and factors' significance was determined by p-value.Collinear variables were omitted and analysis was rerun to obtain better model.

Result: We find that smoking prevalence is high in counties where there are more households with a single female with children and married male living alone. Level of education inversely affects smoking. The race and poverty do not show any significant contribution to smoking prevalence.