Socio-demographic, lifestyle and health characteristics among snus users and dual tobacco users in Stockholm County, Sweden

Abstract

BackgroundSocio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics of snus users have not been systematically described. Such knowledge is pivotal for tobacco control efforts and for the assessment of health effects of snus use.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, based on the Stockholm Public Health Survey, including a population-based sample of 34,707 men and women aged 18-84 years. We examined how socio-demographic, lifestyle and health-related characteristics were associated with the prevalence of current daily snus use, smoking and dual tobacco use. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios of prevalence (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsLow educational level (OR = 1.60, CI = 1.41-1.81 and OR = 1.49, CI = 1.17-1.89, for men and women respectively), as well as occupational class and low income were associated with snus use. Some unfavourable lifestyle characteristics, including risky alcohol consumption (males: OR = 1.81, CI = 1.63-2.02; females: OR = 1.79, CI = 1.45-2.20), binge drinking and low consumption of fruit and vegetables were also associated with snus use. In contrast, physical inactivity and overweight/obesity were not, nor was perceived health. The prevalence of smoking followed steeper gradients for social as well as lifestyle characteristics. Overweight and obese men were however less often smokers. Perceived poor general health and psychological distress were highly related to smoking. Social disadvantage, as well as unhealthy lifestyle and self-reported poor health were strongly associated with dual use. There were limited differences between men and women.ConclusionsThe social, lifestyle and health profiles of exclusive snus users in Stockholm County are less favourable than those of non-users of tobacco, but more advantageous than those of exclusive smokers. This knowledge should guide tobacco control measures as well as the interpretation of health risks linked to snus use.

Use of moist smokeless tobacco (snus) and the risk of development of alcohol dependence: A cohort study in a middle-aged population in Sweden

“…We found increased risk of AD with a clear dose-response relationship between snus use and risk of AD in this group. This is in line with previous cross-sectional results (Engström et al, 2010;Galanti et al, 2001). However, the statistical power among women who never smoked was low because only few women in this age group used snus and in particular at higher doses.…”

“…Among adolescents, snus is associated with smoking and alcohol use (Galanti et al, 2001). Among adults, a Swedish cross-sectional study recently also confirmed a link between snus use and risky alcohol consumption (Engström et al, 2010). To the best of our knowledge, reports on the longitudinal association between snus use and the development of alcohol misuse and dependence among adults are lacking.…”

Snus use and cardiovascular risk factors in the general population: the HUNT3 study

“…Some of the results were, however, in line with findings from previous studies. The association between extensive snus use and larger waist circumference is consistent with several previous reports of elevated body mass index (BMI) and overweight among snus users [10,11,13,31]. Our study design precludes causal inferences and limits discussions of causality to informed speculation and whether the observations are in line with a proposed causal model.…”

The Impact of Smoking on Complications After Operatively Treated Ankle Fractures—A Follow-Up Study of 906 Patients

“…43,44 From an international perspective, the smoking prevalence in our study is generally low, but on the other hand, the use of snuff (a moist, smokeless oral tobacco) is common in Sweden resulting in an overall tobacco use rate comparable with other Western countries. 45 In summary, we conclude that cigarette smoking increases the risk of postoperative complications, including the more severe deep wound infections in patients operatively treated for ankle fractures. In elective surgery, it is appreciated that a preoperative smoking cessation program decrease the number of wound complications.…”