Smoking Prevalence Among Users of Primary Healthcare Units in Brazil: The Role of Religiosity

Author(s)

Martinez, Edson Zangiacomi ^[1] ; Giglio, Flavia Masili ^[1] ; Yamada Terada, Natalia Akemi ^[1] ; da Silva, Anderson Soares ^[1] ; Zucoloto, Miriane Lucindo ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Ave Bandeirantes 3900, BR-14049900 Ribeirao Preto - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF RELIGION & HEALTH; v. 56, n. 6, p. 2180-2193, DEC 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

The objective of this cross-sectional study is to examine the association between religious involvement and tobacco use in a large representative sample of users of primary healthcare units of Ribeiro Preto, Southeast Brazil. Current and past smoking habits were determined among 1055 users of primary healthcare units. Participants' religiosity was measured using the DUREL questionnaire. The prevalence of smoking among men was 16.8% {[}95% confidence interval (CI) 12.0-22.5] and among women was 12.6% (95% CI 10.4-15.0). Among the current smokers, 40.9% were light smokers, 24.6% were moderate smokers, and 34.5% were heavy smokers. The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 13.5. Respondents who have a religion had a lower smoking prevalence than people who had no religion. Current smoking prevalence tended to be higher among people who do not practice their religion than people who practice their religion. Smoking status is also associated with self-reported religiosity, organizational religious activity and some aspects of intrinsic religiosity. Religiosity is an important factor in influencing the smoking behavior in Brazilian users of the public health services. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/14020-6 - Knowledge, religiosity, fear, quality of life and other variables of interest associated with the practice of blood donation
• Grantee: Miriane Lucindo Zucoloto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate