Influence of lifestyle, health, and work environment on smoking cessation among Danish nurses followed over 6 years

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of lifestyle, health, and work environment on smoking cessation among Danish nurses age 45-66 years over a 6-year period from 1993-1999.

Methods: Data derive from the Danish Nurse Cohort Study; a prospective cohort established in 1993 when all Danish female nurses 45+ years old and members of the Danish Nurses Association were mailed a questionnaire. The cohort was followed up 6 years later in 1999. In total, 12,980 responded to questions concerning smoking status in both the 1993 and 1999 surveys. This study deals with the 4713 women (36%) who reported smoking at baseline. Smoking cessation was based on self-report.

Results: At follow-up in 1999, 24% reported that they no longer smoked. Low prior tobacco consumption at baseline, high fresh fruit consumption, high blood pressure, working day shifts, having low physical job strain, perceiving influence on one's own work, and partner's socio-economic status (as measured by most recent occupation) were associated with successful smoking cessation.

Conclusion: The findings from this study highlight the importance of various factors, including lifestyle, health status, and aspects of one's work environment, on successful efforts at smoking cessation.