Social inequality in the prevalence of smoking among adult women: population-based study in Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil

INTRODUCTION:  Despite of the stability rates of smoking in women population, the regression index is low and still more dangerous in countries under development due to the tendency of feminization, poverty and addiction among young people. The present study assessed the prevalence of smoking, degree of dependence and socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with smoking among adult women between 20 and 59 years of age.

METHODS:  A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with conglomerate sampling. Five hundred eight women were analyzed from a home survey carried out in Campinas, SP, Brazil in 2008. Prevalence values were estimated and prevalence ratios were adjusted using Poisson regression and considering weights related to the sampling design.

RESULTS:  The prevalence in smoker women in Campinas was 16.7% (CI95%: 12.8-20.6) and in ex-smoker was 10.8% (CI95%: 6.8–14.9). About the nicotine dependence level, evaluated by the Fagerstrom Test, the category of low was more relevant with 31.0% (CI95%: 20.2–41.8). After the age adjustment, the prevalence of smokers was higher among women between 50 and 59 years (PR= 1.91), with brown skin (PR= 1.75), living with partner (PR= 2.25), with 3 or more children (PR= 1.98), without religion (PR= 1.96) and those women till 8 years of study (PR= 2.07). The protestant women had lower tobacco prevalence (PR= 0.36) when compared to the catholic ones. The women who live in a family with 3 or 4 people smoke less than those who live alone (PR= 0.47). 

CONCLUSIONS:  The smoking in adult women is associated with the social inequality. Identifying vulnerabilities and inequalities in health generates information for public policies to promote social equity and the risks of falling ill and dying.