The Relation Between Smoking Status and Medical Conditions Among Incarcerated Adults

Abstract

Objectives The rate of smoking among incarcerated adults is over three times that of the general population. Negative health consequences of smoking have prompted many correctional facilities to become tobacco-free. This presents a unique opportunity to examine health conditions associated with motivation to remain tobacco-free following release from prison. We examined this association among individuals who participated in the WISE randomized clinical trial. Methods 247 participants completed a baseline questionnaire asking about illnesses (both smoking-related and non-smoking related), family history of smoking-related illnesses, demographics and smoking history. Smoking status was assessed 3 weeks post release. Results 38.1% of participants reported having an illness caused by or worsened by smoking and 53.0% reported having “moderate” to “a lot” of concern about their health due to smoking. 22.9% reported having asthma and 26.8% reported hypertension. The adjusted odds of remaining tobacco-free at 3 weeks post-release from a tobacco-free prison was significant only for individuals with a family history of smoking-related illnesses (OR=0.28;95% CI: 0.12–0.68). For individuals with smoking-related conditions, the adjusted odds of remaining tobacco-free was non-significant (OR=1.91;95% CI: 0.85–4.27). Similarly, the adjusted odds of remaining tobacco-free for participants with non-smoking related medical conditions was non-significant (OR=0.27;95% CI: 0.06–1.22) Conclusions These results offer a first look at understanding health conditions as a motivator to remain tobacco-free following release from prison. While these findings require additional investigation, these results suggest that providing treatment to prisoners with chronic disease and specifically targeting smoking related illnesses might be beneficial with regard to smoking cessation success.

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