Cigarette smoking is a growing problem among women. Among U.S. women veterans there is a higher prevalence of smoking (31%) than in the general population of U.S. women (27%). To understand potentially different needs of women and men veteran smokers, we have begun to describe gender differences in a Veterans Affairs outpatient smoking cessation program. To date, 215 veteran smokers (197 men and 18 women; age range from 26 to 77 years) have participated. In this program women smokers are about 11.5 year younger than men (43.8 ±10.4 vs. 54.7 ±10.2 years, p<0.05). Women have a significantly higher divorce rate (55.6%), lower married rate (22.2%), a higher rate of current employment (72.2%) than men (32.3%, 56.4%, 47.7%, respectively, p<0.05). Furthermore, women have a higher rate of depression, according to Beck Depression Inventory screening (38.9%), and are more likely to smoke to relieve stress (score: 13.4 ±1.6) compared to men (19.4%, and score: 10.8 ±3.3, respectively, p<0.01). Also, men have a significantly higher prevalence of smoking related diseases (75.3%) than women (38.9%). Finally, more women (35.5%) have a history of relapse after more than 1 year of quitting smoking, than do men (16%, p< 0.05). These results suggest that women and men veteran smokers in this clinic may need separately tailored programs. Enrollment and evaluation are on going.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the attendees will be able to distinguish gender differences in demographics, healthy status and smoking behavior in veteran smokers, and will be able to discuss strategies for gender-specific treatment.
Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Gender
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Meharry Medical College and its affiliate clinic
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Resident physician.