Padrões de consumo de cigarro industrializado no Brasil: uma análise da pesquisa nacional de saúde sobre fumantes leves e pesados

Abstract

Despite the decrease of smoking prevalence around the world, the number of light smokers has increased due to the tobacco control policies and denormalization of smoking. This field is recent in Brazil and the situation is complicated due to the non-recognition of different patterns of smoking, no definition of terms such as light smoker and little research in the area. Aim: To explore the different patterns of smoking in Brazil, its psychosocial and health associated factors. Methods: Secondary data analysis of National Health Research (2013). Results: About 47.4% of smokers are light smokers, 39.8% are heavy smokers and 12.8% are nondaily smokers. Nondaily smoking is associated with heart disease, hypertension and lung disease. Daily light smoking is associated with stroke, heart disease, among others. Discriminant factors between the patterns show that nondaily smokers tend to perform more physical activities and live with nondaily smokers. Light smokers perform little physical activity, live with other daily smokers and are at higher risk of depression. Heavy smokers have increased risk of chronic health conditions, greater nicotine dependence and more difficulty in quitting smoking. Discussion: Light smokers represent a large proportion of smokers. In order to reduce the prevalence and harm caused by tobacco in Brazil, it is essential to understand who are the smokers in the country.