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Poorer smokers less likely to quit

Category: Heart Health and Cholesterol

Smoking is known to be linked to unhealthy cholesterol tests as well as a number of other cardiovascular risk factors. Quitting smoking may be one of the best ways for an individual to improve their heart health, but a new study suggests that some individuals may need more help than others.

Researchers from the City College of New York found that poorer individuals are more likely to start smoking again several months after completing a smoking cessation program than wealthier people.

The findings come from an examination of data collected from participants in a smoking cessation program that took place in Arkansas. The results showed that initial quit rates were similar regardless of a person's socioeconomic background. However, three months after completion of the program, low-income participants were 55 percent more likely to have started smoking again.

The researchers said that many smoking cessation programs are specifically designed to help middle class people cope with the complications that may arise in their lives as they try to quit. However, these programs may have little relevance to low-income individuals. They recommended that educational initiatives be designed specifically for these people.