Smoking patterns of university woman students in Miyagi, Japan: The Miyagaku Study

BACKGROUND: The increase in the smoking rate among young women is a worldwide problem. However, few reports have focused on female students, in particular, with detailed accounts of their smoking behavior. The aim of this study was to clarify the smoking patterns of Japanese women of approximately 20 years of age. METHODS: Smoking behavior, age at initiation, favorite brand and related attitudes were examined using a cross-sectional anonymous questionnaire administered to students at a women's university in Miyagi, Japan in 2000. RESULTS: Of 2,984 subjects (response rate: 96%), 16% said that they smoke (95% confidence interval 15-18%): 7% of freshmen, 16% of sophomores, 22% of juniors and 20% of seniors. While music majors were most likely to smoke (21%), domestic science majors had the lowest rate of smoking (10%). Among the smokers, 27% started the habit at age 20 years, the legal age in Japan, and 25% started at age 18. The favorite brand was Marlboro (39%), followed by Mild Seven (16%), a domestic brand. One-third of the smokers had no plans to quit. CONCLUSIONS: Reaching the legal age and entering university may prompt young women to start smoking habitually. In contrast to its overall market share in Japan, a US brand is now favored by current young female smokers.