Factors related to cigarette smoking among building trades workers

Background: Cigarette smoking creates greater challenges for blue-collar workers who smoke more heavily and are less successful in quitting. It is important to identify factors related to blue-collar workers' smoking to develop an effective intervention program to help them with quitting smoking. The purpose of this study is to estimate the contribution of related factors to current and heavy smoking among blue-collar workers. Methods: A total of 1,817 apprentices (mean age=29 years, 95% male) from 10 sites in Massachusetts Building Unions who completed self-reported questionnaires regarding smoking were included in the analysis. Data analysis included chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression analysis to fulfill the purpose of the study. Results: Approximately 40% of the participants reported current smoking; 66% reported heavy smoking (>10 cigarettes daily). Workers with low education (c²=14.61, p=.002) and low income (c²=8.73, p=.03) showed significantly higher prevalence of current smoking. Workers exposed to dust (c²=7.81, p=.05) and chemicals (c²=8.83, p=.01) at work reported higher rate of current smoking. Exposure to smoke from anyone who lives in their home (OR=2.13, 95%CI:1.63-2.78) and their friends/co-workers smoking (OR=1.67, 95%CI:1.34-2.07) were significant predictors of current smoking. These factors were also significantly related to heavy smoking (OR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.28-3.18, OR=1.52, 95%CI:1.04-2.24, respectively). Workers reported poor health were significantly more like to be current smoker (OR= 1.51, 95%CI:1.30-1.76). Workers reported starting to smoke at younger age were more like be heavy smoker (OR=1.08, 95%CI:1.02-1.15). Conclusion: Intervention strategy should incorporate these significant predictors of smoking behaviors to promote smoking cessation for blue-collar workers.