Predictors of smoking in a cross section of novice mine workers.

OBJECTIVE

To determine demographic predictors of smoking status amongst novice mine workers.

SETTING

Prospective mine workers undergoing fitness examination at the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases.

DESIGN

Cross sectional study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Current smoking status.

RESULTS

Smoking status is significantly linked to age, race group, nationality and previous employment status. Education is also a predictor of smoking status, but the association is weak. Smoking prevalence in subgroups of novice mine workers varies from less than 10% to nearly 75%.

CONCLUSION

Assumptions of very high smoking rates amongst all mine workers are too simplistic. Smoking cannot be regarded globally as a major confounder of occupational exposure and occupational lung disease for all groups of mine workers.