Health behaviors among short- and long- term ex-smokers: Results from the Thai National Health Examination Survey IV, 2009

Abstract

Background: Although numerous studies have shown the health behaviors of ex-smokers to be better than those in regular smokers, the differences in health behaviors among ex-smokers at varying durations of cessation have not been investigated. This study aims to examine the relationship between different durations of smoking cessation and health behaviors. Methods: Data on dietary intake, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking behavior from the Thai National Health Examination Survey IV for subjects aged 15-98. years (n= 19 371) were included in the analysis. Trends between health behaviors among regular smokers, ex-smokers with different durations of smoking (< 1. year, 1-10. years, > 10. years), and never smokers were tested. Logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, and economic status were used. Results: The prevalences of regular smoking, ex-smoking, and never smoking were 22.3%, 12% , and 65.7%, respectively. A trend was found for consumption of fruit, beans and meats, dairy and soy milk, whole-grain products, nutritional supplements, and eating habits. Average daily alcohol consumption (g) was lowest among ex-smokers who had quit for > 10. years ex-smokers (16.4) followed by 1-10. years ex-smokers (27.2), and < 1. year ex-smokers (33.7). Conclusion: A longer duration of smoking cessation correlated with better health behaviors. © 2012 Elsevier Inc.