Predictors of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation among adults with asthma

Objectives. This study sought to determine the predictors of smoking and ti me until smoking cessation in a cohort of adult with asthma. Methods. Adults with asthma (n = 374) in northern California completed stru ctures telephone interviews at baseline and 18-month follow-up. Results. Of the 374 subjects, 156 reported ever having smoked, and 39 indic ated that they currently smoked. Earlier birth cohort, lower educational at tainment, White race, and presence in childhood residence of an adult who s moked were associated with greater risk of ever smoking initiation higher d aily cigarette consumption, and late-childhood-onset asthma were associated with a longer interval until smoking cessation. Conclusions. Persons with asthma at high risk of cigarette smoking and dela yed quitting can be identified on the basis of clinical and demographic cha racteristics.