Trends in cigarette smoking in the German centers of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC): the influence of the educational level.

摘要: Abstract Background Several studies in Germany and other European countries have already shown smoking prevalence to be related education. This study was aimed investigate time trends habits the German cohorts Heidelberg Potsdam of Prospective Investigation into Cancer Nutrition (EPIC) according sex, birth cohort, level Methods Within EPIC, 25,546 27,548 participants were recruited Potsdam, respectively. Data on collected by means a computer-guided interview during baseline examination between 1994 1998. For each cohort mean number cigarettes smoked per day at different ages calculated. Odds ratios 95% confidence interval for associations educational computed using logistic regression. Results Smoking higher among men than women, with smaller difference younger cohorts. Between 1950 1960, women rose sharply (from 12.8% 51.8% least educated group). strong increase delayed 10 years cohort. Men more their counterparts but both centers less subjects Conclusions patterns are quite similar respect lifetime smoking. Since an increasing high individuals is observable, programs cessation should especially concentrate persons lower level.