Poor Mental Health and Reduced Decline in Smoking Prevalence

Abstract

Introduction Although smoking prevalence has been declining for smokers without mental illness, it has been static for those with mental illness. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in smoking rates and trajectories of smoking prevalence in the often-overlooked population of smokers with poor mental health, compared with those with better mental health. Methods Data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 2001 to 2010 to examine the relationship between poor mental health and current, daily, and intermittent tobacco use in New Jersey. Data were analyzed in 2014. Results During 2001–2010, current, daily, and intermittent smoking prevalence was higher in participants with poor mental health than those with better mental health. In addition, with the exception of 2 years, prevalence rates remained unchanged in this 10-year period for those with poor mental health while they significantly decreased for those with better mental health. Conclusions The disparity in which smokers with poor mental health are more likely to be current smokers and less likely to be never smokers as compared with those with better mental health has increased over time. These data suggest the need to more closely examine tobacco control and treatment policies in smokers with behavioral health issues. It is possible that tobacco control strategies are not reaching those with poor mental health, or, if they are, their messages are not translating into successful cessation.

Health behaviors and psychological distress: changing associations between 1997 and 2016 in the United States

“…In the general population, mental health is often measured by indicators of non-specific psychological distress, including symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and somatic complaints [9]. Studies in the United States [10][11][12][13] and the United Kingdom [14] have reported psychological distress to be associated with diverging trends in smoking. During the last 10-20 years, smoking rates have declined among those without mental disorders but have remained the same, or declined at a slower pace, among those with mental disorders [10,14].…”

Smoking-induced affect modulation in nonwithdrawn smokers with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and in those with no psychiatric disorder.

“…As smoking prevalence continues to decline in the general population, smoking rates remain intractably high in those with mental health disorders (e.g., Steinberg, Williams, & Li, 2015). For instance, both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are characterized by especially high rates of smoking prevalence, heavy smoking, and low quit rates (Feldner, Babson, & Zvolensky, 2007; Lasser et al, 2000; McClave et al, 2009; Weinberger, Mazure, Morlett, & McKee, 2013).…”

A Short Motivational Program Based on Temporary Smoking Abstinence: Towards Increased Self-Efficacy to Quit in Psychiatric Inpatients

“…The number of smokers remains alarmingly high, and they seem to adapt to indoor smoking bans and continue smoking outdoors. Smoking rates decline less among individuals with mental health problems than in the general population [4][5][6].…”