Title
Smoker identity among occasional smokers: findings from Minnesota
RIS ID
75572
Abstract
Objectives: To investigate characteristics of occasional smokers who deny being smokers (ie, deniers). Methods: Data were from 3 rounds of the Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey (MATS 2003, 2007, and 2010), a statewide, cross-sectional, and random-digit-dial telephone survey. Results: Nearly half of occasional smokers did not view themselves as smokers. Characteristics that were predictive of being a denier included less perceived harm from secondhand smoke, fewer days smoked, and fewer cigarettes smoked per day. Conclusions: Denial of being a smoker is primarily characterized by very light smoking. Future communication efforts should be tailored for this group.
Publication Details
Lee, J., Boyle, R. G., D'Silva, J., St. Claire, A. W., Whittet, M. N. & Kinney, A. M. (2013). Smoker identity among occasional smokers: findings from Minnesota. American Journal of Health Behavior, 37 (4), 525-530.