Smoking - family structure of origin and other determining factors

Introduction: The role of the family structure of origin in determining smoking still needs to be better determined. Aims: To evaluate the association between family structure of origin and other associated factors of smoking. Methods: Case-control study among students and employees from a Brazilian university, matched by genre, age and schooling. The data were obtained through interviews with structured questionnaires, addressing sociodemographic aspects, living together smokers, and structure / functionality of the family of origin (Brief Version of the Family Background Questionnaire, 2009). Analysis of association of these factors with smoking made by logistic regression. Results: 556 current smokers and 556 never smokers were evaluated. The average age and the standard deviation (SD) of the smokers group were, respectively, 31.4 (13.0) years and the non-smokers 31.1 (13.0) years. The prevalence of women in the smoking and non-smoking groups was 34.9% and 34.9%, respectively; there was no difference in schooling. In multiple logistic regression analysis, were associated with smoking: not living with relatives (OR=1.2; 95% CI= >1.0-1.98); having a smoking reference person (OR= 1.4; 95% CI= 1.1-1.8); having a smoker friend (OR= 3.4; 95% CI= 2.5-4.7); living with a smoker (OR= 2.8, 95% CI= 2.0-3.8); working with a smoker (OR= 1.7, 95% CI= 1.3-2.3); having a dysfunctional family structure in relation father responsiveness (OR=1,4; 95% CI= >1,0-2,03) or in relation mother responsiveness (OR = 2.5, 95% CI= 1.3-4,6). Conclusions: Indicators of dysfunction in family structure and cohabitation with smokers were associated with smoking. It is recommended that this assessment be part of primary health care.