Differences in Smoking and Secondhand Smoke Exposure by Race and Region
Author Information
Author(s): McClure Leslie A., Murphy Heather L., Roseman Jeffrey, Howard George, Malarcher Ann
Primary Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hypothesis
Do regional and racial differences in smoking and secondhand smoke exposure contribute to disparities in stroke mortality?
Conclusion
Current smoking and secondhand smoke exposure rates are not higher in regions with higher stroke mortality, suggesting they do not contribute to geographic disparities in stroke.
Supporting Evidence
- Among African Americans, current smoking rates were 5% lower in the stroke belt and 24% lower in the stroke buckle compared to nonbelt regions.
- No regional differences in current smoking were found among whites.
- Among African Americans, exposure to secondhand smoke was 14% lower in the stroke buckle compared to nonbelt regions.
Takeaway
This study looked at how smoking and secondhand smoke exposure vary by race and region, finding that these factors don't explain why some areas have more strokes.
Methodology
Logistic regression was used to analyze smoking and secondhand smoke exposure among African American and white adults aged 45 and older.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may not accurately reflect actual smoking and exposure levels.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and relies on self-reported data for smoking status and secondhand smoke exposure.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 42% African American and 58% white, aged 45 and older.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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