Occupation and Workplace Policies Predict Smoking Behaviors

OBJECTIVE: Describe differences in smoking behaviors associated with occupation, workplace rules against smoking, and workplace smoking cessation programs. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Current Population Survey-Tobacco Use Supplement surveys from 1992 through 2007. RESULTS: After adjusting for demographic factors, blue-collar workers were at higher risk than white-collar workers for ever smoking, current smoking, and persistent smoking (current smoking among ever smokers). Construction workers were more likely to be current daily smokers than other blue-collar workers. Among ever smokers, current daily smoking was more common in the absence of both workplace rules against smoking and workplace smoking cessation programs. CONCLUSIONS: Social or cultural effects related to occupation are important determinants of smoking. More aggressive promotion of smoking cessation programs and workplace rules prohibiting smoking could have a significant public health impact.