Tobacco use characteristics among rural Ohio Appalachians

Appalachians remain at high risk for cancer, heart and lung disease, in par t because of their high prevalence of tobacco use;) el, information about t heir tobacco consumption patterns is limited. The purpose of this study was to describe tobacco consumption variables among rural adult Appalachian to bacco users. Subjects, aged 18 and older (N = 249), participated in a face- to-face interview about tobacco consumption variables and knowledge regardi ng the health effects of tobacco at fairs in two rural Ohio Appalachian cou nties. The majority of participants were categorized as precontemplators, a lthough 21 percent were classified in preparation stage of change. Mean age of initiation was 16.6 years and number of cigarettes smoked per day (cpd) was significantly higher for men, as compared to women. One-third of males reported the use of smokeless tobacco. The majority had not tied to quit f or more than 1 year and the average number of previous quit attempts was lo w. One-half of the sample had been advised in the past to quit by their phy sician. Few had used nicotine replacement with past quit attempts but great er than half would consider this approach with future attempts Knowledge al ,out the health effects of smoking indicated that most were aware of the re lationship between smoking and cancer but less than one-half recognized its association with heart disease. Those with less education were less inform ed about the health effects to self and non-smokers. While a sizeable porti on expressed interest in quitting, knowledge about the health effects of sm oking: is lacking, especially with regard to heart disease and among those with less education.