[Smoking habits in 4 Swiss cities].

As part of the Swiss National Research Program on the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, we have investigated smoking habits in four Swiss cities. Results are presented from a stratified sample of 3926 persons aged 16 to 69. 49% of the men and 30% of the women are regular smokers. The quit rate (former smokers/present + former smokers) is 25% in men and 21% in women. About a fifth of those who have tried to stop smoking during the past year are still non-smokers. There are no differences between German- and French-speaking cities. With regard to socioeconomic status, the highest percentage of male smokers is found in manual workers and the quit rate rises the higher the socioeconomic group. These is a strong positive association between smoking and alcohol consumption.