Changes in Cigarette Smoking Behavior Among US Young Workers From 2005 to 2010: The Role of Occupation

Conclusions: White-collar workers have benefited the most from tobacco control efforts. Although improvements were seen in smoking behavior among blue-collar workers, smoking prevalence remained the highest in this group. Smoking behavior among service workers did not change. Young service workers and blue-collar are priority populations for workplace tobacco control efforts. Implications: The current study examines changes in smoking behavior among young adult workers (18–24 years) by occupational class (white-collar, blue-collar, and service workers) between 2005 and 2010. Data were pooled from the Tobacco Supplement in the 2005 and 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Smoking prevalence and daily smoking declined significantly in white-collar workers. No change in smoking behavior was observed among service workers. Positive changes in smoking behavior were observed among blue-collar workers, but smoking prevalence remained the highest in this group. Blue-collar and service workers are priority groups for future workplace tobacco control efforts.
Source: Nicotine and Tobacco Research - Category: Addiction Authors: Tags: Original Investigation Source Type: research