Table of Contents
Psychological Factors
People with low self-esteem and adolescents with behavioral problems have a higher risk for smoking. Men and women with mental disorders are 50% more likely to smoke than those without such illnesses. Schizophrenia and depression are known risk factors for smoking. Both mental disorders may have biological effects that lead to this higher risk.
Having depression increases the likelihood that someone will smoke, and decreases their likelihood of quitting. Twice as many adults with depression are current smokers, compared to those without depression. The more severe their depression, the more likely people are to smoke.
Smoking Among Persons with Disabilities
Smoking is much more common among persons with disabilities than those without emotional, mental, or physical limitations. The rate of smoking is nearly 50% higher among persons with disabilities.
Genetic Factors
Evidence strongly supports the idea that genes play a role in a person's dependence on nicotine. Researchers are now targeting specific genes that may be responsible for nicotine dependence. So far, research has shown that there is a common genetic vulnerability to both nicotine and alcohol dependence.
Economic Factors
Some studies suggest that the cheaper it is to buy cigarettes and smoke, the more widespread smoking will be. For example, states that have low taxes on cigarettes have a high proportion of smokers. Making it more expensive to smoke may reduce the number of smokers.
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Review Date: 09/08/2010
Reviewed By: Reviewed by: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor
of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts
General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
