Health behaviors among short- and long- term ex-smokers: Results from the Thai National Health Examination Survey IV, 2009

BackgroundAlthough numerous studies have shown the health behaviors of ex-smokers to be better than those in regular smokers, the differences in health behaviors among ex-smokers at varying durations of cessation have not been investigated. This study aims to examine the relationship between different durations of smoking cessation and health behaviors.MethodsData on dietary intake, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and smoking behavior from the Thai National Health Examination Survey IV for subjects aged 15-98 years (n = 19 371) were included in the analysis. Trends between health behaviors among regular smokers, ex-smokers with different durations of smoking (< 1 year, 1-10 years, > 10 years), and never smokers were tested. Logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, and economic status were used.ResultsThe prevalences of regular smoking, ex-smoking, and never smoking were 22.3%, 12% , and 65.7%, respectively. A trend was found for consumption of fruit, beans and meats, dairy and soy milk, whole-grain products, nutritional supplements, and eating habits. Average daily alcohol consumption (g) was lowest among ex-smokers who had quit for > 10 years ex-smokers (16.4) followed by 1-10 years ex-smokers (27.2), and < 1 year ex-smokers (33.7).ConclusionA longer duration of smoking cessation correlated with better health behaviors.

► This is one of the first studies on different duration of smoking cessation and health behaviors. ► Longer smoking cessation correlated with healthier diet and lower alcohol intake. ► A follow-up study should be further conducted to prove for causal relationship between duration of smoking cessation and better health behaviors.