Demographic factors in adult smoking status: Mediating and moderating influences

In the current study mediators and moderators of demographic factors in smoking behavior were examined. Those with low education levels were more likely to smoke, believed less in the negative health effects of smoking, believed more in the positive psychological benefits of smoking, had lower value on a healthy lifestyle, and had more friends who smoked. Although all of these factors significantly mediated education effects on smoking, number of friends who smoke was the most powerful of these mediators. There were no gender differences in smoking rates. However, compared with men, smoking among women was more strongly related to perceived psychological benefits of smoking, number of friends who smoke, and health beliefs about smoking. Implications for targeting intervention at less educated individuals and women are discussed.