To evaluate the health effects of role overload, the relationship between m
ultiple role (i.e., worker, spouse, caretaker) strain and current cigarette
smoking was examined. A cross-sectional survey of women veterans, aged 36-
85 years, was performed measuring home and job strain and health behaviors.
Of the 275 women who rated both their work and home strains, 25% (n = 69)
currently smoke cigarettes. Higher work strain, but not higher home strain,
was associated with smoking adjusting for age, education, income, weight,
and marital status. A stressful work environment may trigger persistent smo
king and should be addressed during smoking cessation counseling.