Changes and determinants in cigarette smoking prevalence in southwestern France, 1985-1997

Objective and methods: Smoking trends were assessed in southwestern France for the period 1985-1997 using data from the MONICA population surveys conducted in the Toulouse region. Results: Smoking prevalence decreased in men and remained stable in women, with the exception of age group 35-44 years (stabilization in men, increase in women). In both genders, prevalence of ex-smokers increased. Higher educational level was negatively associated with smoking in men and positively associated in women; in both genders, older age was negatively associated with smoking. Conclusions: In southwestern France, the decrease or stabilization in smoking prevalence is due to an increase in ex-smokers rather than in never smokers.