Relationship of Smoking to Other Life-Style Factors Among Several Ethnic Groups in Hawaii

Abstract

Associations between smoking status and selected life-style characteristics (food and beverage consumption, alcohol use, weight, height, obesity, education and Income) were examined among the five main ethnic groups in Hawaii (Caucasians, Japanese, Hawaiians, Filipinos and Chinese) in a sample of 18, 632 male and 19, 031 female adults who were interviewed from 1975 to 1980. Mean values for each personal characteristic, adjusted for age and ethnicity by analysis of covariance, were compared in each sex among non-, ex-and current smokers. Linear relationships with extent of smoking were also sought. Significant findings from these analyses included: an increasing use of alcohol and coffee from non-to ex-to current smokers; a greater consumption of meat and eggs and a lower consumption of fresh fruits and raw vegetables by current than by ex-and non-smokers; higher intakes of protein and cholesterol by smokers; and less obesity among smokers than non-smokers (females only). These results were consistent across ethnic groups. They were also in agreement with those obtained among Caucasians in the US and Europe, suggesting that the dietary preferences of smokers do not reflect cultural influences but rather universal personality traits or biological needs.