Smoking status among women in households with young children.

PURPOSE

To identify sociodemographic and health related correlates of smoking status among women in households with young children.

DESIGN

A secondary analysis of the 1992 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System public-use data tape.

PARTICIPANTS

Women (N = 520) in households with very young children (< or = 5 years of age).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Current smoking status.

RESULTS

Approximately 18% were current smokers; more than 40% smoked more than 10 cigarettes each day. A majority of smokers indicated a high level of nicotine addiction, but had plans to quit. Smoking prevalence varied by sociodemographic variables with higher rates for unmarried, less than college educated, and unemployed participants. Health status also was related to smoking, with higher rates among those with poor health and those limited in activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking is one way of coping with the stressors of daily life, including those associated with caring for young children. Special cessation efforts may be needed for the unemployed, the unmarried woman, and for those in poor health.