The health-related quality-of-life of never smokers, ex-smokers, and light, moderate, and heavy smokers

Abstract

Background. Health related quality-of-life is recognized as an important health outcome measure; however, it may also have a significant application in smoking reduction and cessation programs. Methods. Representative population data (n = 3010) was used to compare the quality-of-life status of different smoking categories with never smokers. Results. Statistically significant differences in mean quality-of-life scores, as measured by the SF-36 health status questionnaire, were observed between never smokers, as the reference group, ex-smokers, all smokers, and light, moderate, and heavy smokers. Heavy smokers also scored significantly lower than both other groups of smokers, scoring as low a..