The national prevalence of persistent smoking was 24% in older men and 3% in older women; sedentary social activities increased persistent smoking risk, while physical activities reduced it.
Observational
Yes
Does social participation affect the risk of persistent smoking among older Chinese adults with chronic diseases?
Different forms of social participation have divergent associations with persistent smoking among older adults with chronic diseases, highlighting the need for targeted smoking cessation interventions.
OBJECTIVES: Chronic diseases are common in midlife and old age and smoking can pose more health and longevity challenges for older people with chronic illnesses. In China where smoking is highly prevalent, older adults are likely to continue smoking even after developing severe chronic diseases. We examined the national prevalence of persistent smoking among older adults. We also investigated the sociodemographic characteristics of persistent smoking among ever-smokers with chronic diseases and its association with social participation (of various types). METHODS: We used data from a nationally representative sample of older adults aged 45-80 in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2018). Multinomial logistic and multilevel logistic models were fitted. RESULTS: The national prevalence of persistent smoking was around 24% of older men and 3% of older women. Among those with a history of smoking and chronic illness, younger, nonmarried/partnered, nonretired, or less educated individuals are more likely to continue smoking. Social participation is significantly associated with persistent smoking among those with chronic diseases, but the association differs across different forms of activities. Although the most popular but sedentary activities in China (playing Mahjong, chess, or cards) are associated with an elevated risk of persistent smoking, physical social activities (community-organized dancing, fitness, and qigong) are associated with a reduced risk of persistent smoking. DISCUSSION: Given the enormous burden of persistent smoking on individuals and society, public smoking cessation inventions should address sociocultural factors of persistent smoking and target older adults who participate in specific social activities.
Gao et al. (Sun,) conducted a observational in Chronic diseases and smoking. Social participation was evaluated on Persistent smoking. The national prevalence of persistent smoking was 24% in older men and 3% in older women; sedentary social activities increased persistent smoking risk, while physical activities reduced it.