Differences in Social Environmental Characteristics between Intermittent and Daily Smokers in a Multiethnic Asian Population

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we assessed potential discrepancies in various social environmental factors between intermittent and daily smokers in Singapore, a multi-ethnic Asian urbanized city-state. Methods: We collected data from the Singapore Smokers Survey 2019 (SSS 2019) (N=2015, ages 19- 69 inclusive), consisting of 434 intermittent (nondaily) smokers and 1581 daily smokers to examine the relationships with social environmental variables including interpersonal communication, media exposure, social participation and social norms. Results: Overall, 22% of the participants self-reported as intermittent smoker. They differed from daily smokers in terms of interpersonal communication, social norms, and social participation. Intermittent smokers were characterized by stronger perceived disapproval of smoking by their family members, lower perceptions of smoking prevalence, and greater involvement in social/community participation. Compared to daily smokers, intermittent smokers were more likely to engage in conversations about quitting but perceived occasional smoking as less harmful.Conclusions: Findings from the study provide useful implications for designing and implementing targeted interventions and tobacco control policies in Singapore and other countries in the region.