Tobacco use after experiencing a major natural disaster: Analysis of a longitudinal study of 2063 young adults

Abstract

Aim: To identify the extent to which tobacco use is affected by experience of a natural disaster and resulting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Design: Longitudinal community survey. Setting: Canberra, the national capital of Australia. Participation: A random selection of 2063 young adults participating in this project lived in a region affected by a major bushfire in 2003. They were first interviewed in 1999-2000 and re-interviewed in 2003-4 after the bushfire had occurred. Measurements: Changes in participants' level of consumption of tobacco over a 4-year period were calculated. When interviewed after the disaster, participants answered questions concerning their experi..