A Preliminary Evaluation of Cigarette Smoking and its Correlates Among Cancer Survivors in Puerto Rico

Objective This preliminary study aimed to examine the smoking rate among Puerto Rican cancer survivors and identify correlations with demographic, clinical, and psychological factors. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis using baseline data from 384 cancer survivors in Puerto Rico, collected between January 2018 and March 2023. Participants were recruited through community support groups and hospital settings. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, cancer type, treatments, psychological distress (assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 for depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 for anxiety), and smoking behaviors were analyzed. Significant associations with smoking were then tested in a logistic regression model, adjusted for all significant correlations. Results 7.5% of the sample reported smoking in the past 6 months, with a median consumption of six cigarettes per day. Depression was the only significant factor correlated with smoking, with participants who smoked reporting higher levels of depression. Other variables, such as age, gender, cancer type, and treatments, showed no significant correlation with smoking behavior. In the logistic regression model, elevated depressive symptoms were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of smoking, with individuals reporting such symptoms being 3.03 times more likely to smoke (95% CI [1.39, 6.63], P = .005). Other variables, such as age, gender, cancer type, and treatments, showed no significant correlation with smoking behavior. Conclusion Depressive symptoms are associated with smoking among Puerto Rican cancer survivors. This finding highlights the critical need for integrated mental health screening and support within smoking cessation programs tailored for this population.