National estimates and correlates of cigarette smoking among Hispanic/Latino construction workers in the US

• Main Authors: Taghrid Asfar, Kristopher L. Arheart, Alberto J. Caban-Martinez, Danielle Sierra, Estefania C. Ruano-Herreria, Laura A. McClure, Kenneth D. Ward, David J. Lee
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: European Publishing 2018-03-01
• Series: Tobacco Induced Diseases
• Subjects: WCTOH
• Online Access: http://www.journalssystem.com/tid/National-estimates-and-correlates-of-cigarette-smoking-among-Hispanic-Latino-construction,84546,0,2.html

Background Smoking prevalence among construction workers (CWs) is nearly twice the national average of smoking in the US. In 2014, there were more than 2.6 million Hispanic/Latino CWs in the US, representing nearly a third of the US construction workforce. In this study, we used a national sample of US adults to examine the prevalence and predictors of cigarette smoking among Hispanic/Latino CWs. Methods Data were pooled from the 2001-2010 (5 cycles) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. All respondents > 20 years who self-identified as Hispanics/Latino and were working in the construction industry were selected (n= 430). We calculated prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals of the demographic characteristics of workers stratified by smoking status (current, former, never smoker). Logistic regression analysis were performed with adjustments made for the complex survey design. Results Overall, 99.0% of Hispanic/Latino CWs were males, 17.9% were non-US born, 42.4% spoke only Spanish, 61.3% did not complete high school, 32.0% were without health insurance, 30.5% fell below the poverty level, and 31.0% reported smoking. The mean age at initiation of smoking was 15.1 (SD= 13.7-16.4), and the mean of number of cigarettes smoked per day was 12.1 (4.5-19.7). Compared to workers who do not smoke, smokers were significantly more likely to be between the ages of 20-45 (78.8% vs. 90.2%), have higher exposure to mineral dusts at work ( 38.4 vs. 66.0%) and secondhand smoke at home (4.9% vs. 23.3%) and work (29.5% vs. 43.3%), and higher level of depression (2.9% vs. 8.8%) (P< 0.05 for all). Conclusions Smoking prevalence is high among Hispanic/Latino CWs. This group was identified as a high-risk group for smoking-related health problems and injuries, and should therefore be a prime focus for smoking cessation efforts. Future smoking cessation interventions need to be adapted to their culture and work/life circumstances.