Tobacco use among middle-aged and older women in Texas: Factors influencing current smoking and cessation behaviors

Despite overall decreases in smoking rates in the United States, efforts are still needed to promote tobacco cessation among middle-aged and older women. The purposes of this study are to: (1) examine the current smoking practices of middle-aged and older women; and (2) identify the personal demographics, perceived health status, and health-related behaviors associated with tobacco use and cessation. Survey instruments were mailed to a random sample of households in the seven-county Brazos Valley region of Texas as part of a community assessment. Data were analyzed from a sample of 593 middle-aged (“Baby Boomers”) and older (older than “Boomers”) women. Study variables include: demographics, health status indicators, lifestyle behaviors, and healthcare utilization. Two independent logistic regression analyses were performed to compare variables associated with having never smoked with currently smoking and having quit smoking with currently smoking. Approximately 20% of Boomers and 11% of older women reported being a smoker. Women smokers were significantly more likely to be Boomers (OR=0.46), of worse general health (OR=0.71), have more depressive symptoms (OR=1.18), and have not had a regular physician visit (OR=0.32) than their counterparts who had never smoked. Women who had successfully quit smoking were more likely to be older (OR=0.46), have fewer depressive symptoms (OR=0.46), and had a regular physician visit (OR=0.46) than their smoking counterparts. Findings suggest female Baby Boomers are an important group to target for smoking cessation efforts. Mental health and smoking behaviors are interrelated, indicating the importance of addressing depression in smoking cessation efforts targeting women.