Physical, psychological, and sociodemographic differences among smokers, exsmokers, and nonsmokers in a working population

Nonsmokers, exsmokers, cigarette smokers, and other smokers were compared for a variety of psychological, physiological, and sociodemographic characteristics. A total of 183 white men and 284 white women, 17 to 65 years of age, who were home office employees of the Liberty Life Insurance Company participated in the study. Age-adjusted comparisons indicated that nonsmokers differed from smokers in that they attended church more frequently and had more education; were less likely to have spouses who smoked; were less active physically on the job; were more likely to eat breakfast and desserts; consumed fewer soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and coffee; and had lower pulse rates (men only) and thinner skinfolds. The differences among smoking categories for job-related factors, coping techniques, leisure time physical activity, and personality characteristics were generally unremarkable. In light of the numerous comparisons made, it was surprising how few differences were observed. Although the discriminant function was only modestly successful in classifying smokers and nonsmokers (78% accuracy), differences in diet, behavior, spouse characteristics, religious habits, and health orientations may prove useful in designing smoking prevention and cessation programs.