A new study published in Tobacco Control suggests that around 1 in 7 US adults who currently smoke may have some degree of disability. The research, analyzing data from 150,220 participants, found that the prevalence of functional difficulties is twice as high among smokers compared to those who never smoked. These findings highlight the need for tailored smoking cessation programs for people with disabilities.
The study, which examined data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) between 2019 and 2023, measured disabilities in six core areas: vision, hearing, mobility, communication, cognition, and self-care. Participants were considered to have a disability if they reported significant difficulty in one or more of these areas.
Key findings include:
- 14% of current smokers reported a disability, compared to 7% of non-smokers.
- Mobility and cognitive issues were the most common disabilities among smokers.
- Over half of current smokers (54%) experienced some level of functional difficulty.
- Disabilities were more prevalent among older adults, women, and those with lower educational attainment.
The researchers estimate that 40% of the 25 million US adults who smoke—around 10 million people—experience at least some functional challenges.
The study authors emphasized the need for inclusive interventions: “Each disability type may present unique barriers to smoking cessation. Public health efforts must incorporate universal design principles to address these challenges effectively.”
While the study is observational and cannot prove causation, it underscores the disproportionate impact of smoking on people with disabilities. The findings call for targeted strategies to help this population quit smoking, considering their specific needs and challenges. Future research could explore the effectiveness of disability-inclusive cessation programs.
Add comment