Cigarette Smoking and Depressive Symptoms Among Hispanic/Latino Adults: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Introduction: In the present study, we investigated associations among cigarette smoking, smoking cessation treatment, and depressive symptoms in Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods: The multisite prospective population-based Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) enrolled a cohort of Hispanic/Latino adults (aged 18-74) from diverse backgrounds (n = 16,412) in 4 U.S. communities (Chicago, San Diego, Miami, and Bronx). Households were selected using a stratified 2-stage probability sampling design and door-to-door recruitment, and sampling weights calibrated to the 2010 U.S. Population Census. Hispanic/Latino individuals of Dominican, Central American, South American, Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican background were considered. Cigarette smoking, smoking cessation treatment, and depressive symptoms were measured by self-report. Results: Results indicated that current smokers had greater odds for significant depressive symptoms (CES-D score = 10) than never smokers in all Hispanic background groups [odds ratio (OR) > 1.5]. Depressed persons were not more likely to receive prescribed smoking cessation medications from a doctor (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.98-2.08), take over-the-counter medications (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.75-1.66), or receive psychotherapy (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.57-1.85). Conclusions: In conclusion, these findings suggest that the positive association between smoking status and depressive symptoms is present in all examined Hispanic/Latino background groups.