Fumes-tu encore? Quitting among French and American smokers: 2000–2010

Purpose: This article examines sociodemographic correlates of initiation and quitting among French and American smokers. Methods: National surveys in France and the United States in 2000, 2005, and 2010 were analyzed of ever smokers, 20–75 years old. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted on age of initiation and quitting. Results: Smoking prevalence decreased for Americans each survey year (25.2%, 22.9%, and 17.9%), whereas the comparable figures for the French were 33.9%, 31.5%, and 33.8%. French smokers consumed fewer cigarettes per day (12.9 vs. 14.4 in 2000, 13.5. vs. 16.8 in 2005, and 12.2 vs. 15.1 in 2010), began consuming at a later age, and smoked for a shorter duration. Multiple logistic regression results revealed significant differences in the odds ratios, indicating the relative influence of sociodemographic variables on age of initiation and quitting. Conclusions: Quitting smoking continues to be a major challenge, varying by similar factors, particularly education, in both France and the United States. Policy implications: Public policy initiatives to promote quitting must be strengthened, including the need to address population-specific inequalities and disparities in tobacco use and consequences.