Characteristics of young female smokers in a Swedish primary health care area.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the correlation between smoking, socioeconomic characteristics, and sexual and contraceptive patterns in young women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional population study, smokers compared with non-smokers.

SETTING

Nättraby-Hasslö, a rural area in southern Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

All women between 15-34 years of age (n = 541).

RESULTS

26% smoked daily. Smokers on average had less schooling, lower 9th grade results, less satisfaction in school, and more unskilled professions than non-smokers. Apart from a higher parental divorce rate among smokers, no correlation between parental factors and smoking was found. Smokers on average reported an earlier sexual debut, more unprotected first intercourse, more life-time sexual partners, and more legal abortions.

CONCLUSION

Smoking is associated with sexual habits, which may reflect a higher tendency to take personal risks among smokers.