Demographics of Tobacco Use in Puerto Rico: 1996-2000

Luz Leon, University of Puerto Rico
Dinorah Heredia, University of Puerto Rico

Worlwide, approximately 3 millions persons die daily from tobacco- related death causes. It has been stated that a considerable amount of these tobacco related deaths will occur in Latin America, The Caribbean and the United States. The literature indicates that the Latino community has the lowest levels of tobacco use in the United States. However Among this group, Puerto Ricans are distinguished for having the highest prevalence rates of tobacco consumption. Some concerns emerge from this fact; among these is the level of tobacco consumption reported among Puerto Ricans living in the Island. The main aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of this product’s consumption in Puerto Rico. It focuses on the demographic characteristics of current smokers. This was a descriptive study. A secondary data analysis was performed using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)” data set for 1996-2000. Tobacco consumption dropped 9 % since 1996. In spite of this trend there are still diverse demographic characteristics that deserve some thought. Men use more tobacco than women and more often, however they showed descendent proportions through the analyzed period. Women on the other hand, use less tobacco; nevertheless they have maintained same levels of tabaquism. Gender differences in tobacco are of particular interest to tobacco companies. These companies target cigarettes advertising toward female population. In analyzing tobacco consumption it is very important to take into consideration not only general tobacco use, but the frequency this product is utilized. The great majority of population smokes daily between 1 and 20 cigarettes. The male population does not only present a higher prevalence than women, they also smoke more frequently than the female population. Persons over 35 years old, showed higher proportions in daily tobacco use. The fact that people over 35 smokes on higher proportions, is a very important aspect at macro social level, because this is suppose to be a productive age. On the other hand, people over 65 do not show elevated levels of tobacco use, but this group smokes a daily considerable amount of cigarettes. This is a very important aspect for health professionals. The principal death causes in Puerto Rico have been associated in some way to tobacco use. The age structure of the Island is an old one, which implies that it has a high proportion of people over 65 years old. The analyzed data shows that smoking is characterized by being an event that focus on some ages and specific gender. The gender and age differences in tobacco consumption observed in Puerto Rico could increase among other elements, the sex differences registered among people over 65. On the other hand, the use of tobacco could affect the morbidity levels, which in turn could result in higher health care costs. High income and educated people have low levels of tabaquism, then again they use a substantial number of cigarettes. Tabaquism continues to be a challenge for health professionals in Puerto Rico. It is necessary to consider differences in smoking by diverse sociodemographic characteristics. In this way we will have a better panorama of this public health issue.