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. 2004 Jun;39(3):531-52.
doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2004.00243.x.

The effect of smoking on years of healthy life (YHL) lost among middle-aged and older Americans

Truls Østbye  1 , Donald H Taylor
Affiliations

The effect of smoking on years of healthy life (YHL) lost among middle-aged and older Americans

Truls Østbye et al. Health Serv Res. 2004 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the effects of smoking on quality of life over time, using the Years of Healthy Life (YHL) construct.

Data sources/study setting: The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) survey (N=12,652) of persons 50 to 60 years old and the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) survey (N=8,124) of persons > or =70 years old, plus spouses regardless of age, followed from 1992/1993 to 2000.

Study design: Years of healthy life from baseline to death were estimated. Regression models were developed with smoking as the main explanatory variable and with both YHL and years of life remaining as the outcome variables.

Principal findings: Smoking was strongly and consistently related to YHL lost. In HRS, individuals who had quit smoking at least 15 years prior to baseline had a similar number of YHL left as never smokers.

Conclusions: Efforts to encourage smoking cessation should emphasize the impact of these factors on quality of life.

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Figures

Figure 1a
Figure 1a
Means and SD's of Quality of Life (Based on EVGGFP Question and Mortality Status) by Age Group (Stacked Values), HRS and AHEAD; Men.
Figure 1b
Figure 1b
Means and SD's of Quality of Life (Based on EVGGFP Question and Mortality Status) by Age Group (Stacked Values), HRS and AHEAD; Women
Figure 2a
Figure 2a
Years of Life and Years of Healthy Life Remaining by Smoking Status, HRS and AHEAD; Men
Figure 2b
Figure 2b
Years of Life and Years of Healthy Life Remaining by Smoking Status, HRS and AHEAD; Women
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