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DURHAM, N.C., Mar 23, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Duke University researchers say elderly women are more likely to quit smoking than elderly men, while results are just the opposite among younger people.
"Smoking cessation was also observed more frequently among elders who had recently been diagnosed with cancer," said Dr. Heather Whitson, lead author of the study. "In addition, the rate of recidivism was only 16 percent among the elderly smokers who quit, whereas previous studies report relapse rates of 35 percent to 45 percent."
Whitson said the findings indicate older smokers may quit smoking for different reasons than younger smokers.
Although the study did not directly assess the smokers' reasons for quitting, the authors postulate factors such as lack of transportation, poor financial situation and dementia might contribute to smoking cessation in older smokers.
The study is detailed in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
