Sociodemographic and Clinical Profile of a Smoking Portuguese Sample: Sex Implications for Intervention in Smoking Cessation

Abstract

Smoking cessation programs reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco consumption. Such programs are more effective when they are tailored to the specific characteristics of smokers. In this study we analyze sex differences within a group of 100 portuguese smokers, by administering a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The results show sex differences in the number of cigarettes smoked per day, in the time of day and the social contexts connected with greater consumption, in co-habitation with other smokers, in response to social pressures to quit smoking, and in incidence of sleep problems. We discuss the implications of the results for the optimization of the smoking cessation programs offered in healthcare settings.