Prevalence and factors associated with smoking in a nationally representative sample of Greek adults: The Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS)

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess smoking prevalence among Greek adults and in subpopulations with specific sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants. Moreover, to explore the association between smoking and weight status and specific stress-related states. Methods: Data from 3,820 adults (47.5% males), included in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS), were used. Information was obtained on sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric factors, and stress-related states. Results were obtained using survey specific analysis. Results: Smoking prevalence was 33.5% in total and was significantly higher in males 39.1% (95%CI: 36.3%—41.8%) compared to females 29.4% (95%CI: 27.4%—31.6%; p < 0.001). Smoking prevalence was higher among those who slept <6 hours per night, consumed daily coffee and alcohol, and had chronic stress and depressive symptomatology. Moreover, 72.9% of Greek adults were exposed to passive smoke. The odds of having chronic stress, depressive symptomatology, sleep problems, and financial difficulties were higher for current smokers, whereas the odds for overweight/obesity increased only among ex-smokers. Chronic pain was associated with both current and ex-smoking status. Conclusions: This study highlights the important of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with smoking, and underlines associations of ever-smoking with weight status and stress-related states, providing policy health makers valuable information for more effective results. © 2022 Hellenic Society of Cardiology