Sociodemographic characteristics and diabetes predict invalid self-reported non-smoking in a population-based study of U.S. adults
2007

Diabetes and False Non-Smoking Reports in Smokers

Sample size: 1483 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Monica A. Fisher, George W. Taylor, Brent J. Shelton, Sara M. Debanne

Primary Institution: Case Western Reserve University

Hypothesis

Do sociodemographic characteristics and diabetes predict invalid self-reported non-smoking among U.S. adults?

Conclusion

Smokers with diabetes are more likely to falsely report being non-smokers compared to those without diabetes.

Supporting Evidence

  • 15% of smokers with diabetes reported invalid non-smoking status.
  • Invalid non-smoking status was higher among NHB females and those who did not graduate from high school.
  • The study used serum cotinine levels to confirm smoking status.

Takeaway

Some people who smoke say they don't smoke, especially if they have diabetes. This can be because they feel pressure to say they don't smoke.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the NHANES III survey, focusing on adults aged 45 and older, using serum cotinine levels to identify true smokers.

Potential Biases

Social desirability may lead to underreporting of smoking among certain groups.

Limitations

The study's sample size for certain demographic subgroups was small, limiting statistical power.

Participant Demographics

Participants were U.S. adults aged 45 and older, including various race/ethnicity and gender categories.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.01

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.35–7.34

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-7-33

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