The historical decline of tobacco smoking among United States physicians: 1949–1984
2008
The decline of tobacco smoking among US physicians from 1949 to 1984
Sample size: 57
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Derek R. Smith
Primary Institution: University of Newcastle
Hypothesis
How did tobacco smoking habits change among US physicians between 1949 and 1984?
Conclusion
There was a clear and consistent decline in tobacco use among US physicians from 1949 to 1984.
Supporting Evidence
- By the 1980s, few US physicians were still smoking.
- Smoking prevalence among physicians declined from around 40% in the 1960s to less than 10% by the 1980s.
- Physicians have historically been role models in smoking cessation.
Takeaway
Doctors used to smoke a lot, but over time, they learned it was bad for their health and many stopped smoking.
Methodology
An extensive literature review of manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals between 1949 and 1984.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to non-standardized definitions of smoking status across studies.
Limitations
The quality and coverage of historical surveys varied over time.
Participant Demographics
US physicians from various specialties and states.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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