Lifestyle choices of smokers: Data from the Greek National Health Survey

Abstract

levels, with it being more intense when higher amounts of cigarettes and coffee were consumed 19 . Furthermore, in a study by Anyfanti et al. 20 researchers observed that smoking prior to exercise increased myocardial stress and dysregulated baroreceptor sensitivity, while more recent studies have mainly focused on the estimation of smoking prevalence 3,21-24 as well as smoking cessation 25,26 at a national or local level. To the authors knowledge, there is a lack of studies ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Smoking is a documented health risk factor while successful cessation is challenging. The aim of the current study was to identify lifestyle characteristics of smokers that could aid the cessation process. METHODS Data derive from the most recent Health Survey conducted by the Hellenic Statistical Authority in 2019. In the survey were included 8125 participants aged ≥15 years . Chi-squared tests and ordered logistic regression models were used to assess differences between groups. Analysis was performed in Stata 14. RESULTS Smoking prevalence was 29%, with 25% daily and 4% occasional smokers. Lifestyle choices differed between smokers and non-smokers; alcohol use was observed more in smokers, and especially in younger ages. Weekly consumption of fruit/vegetables/freshly squeezed juices was observed more in non-smokers compared to smokers, while soda drinks consumption was observed more in smokers than non-smokers and especially males. Physical exercise was observed in a low proportion in both smokers and non-smokers, while health monitoring was not associated with smoking after adjusting for descriptive characteristics of participants. CONCLUSIONS Greece unhealthy dietary habits, consume a high engage rarely in physical activity. Even the Therefore, specific choices of each should be incorporated in the particular cessation plan.