Predictors of the prevalence of tobacco use among Francophones and Anglophones in the province of Ontario

This study examines Francophone/Anglophone differences in levels and patterns of tobacco use and associated risk factors in the province of Ontario, Canada. Estimates are derived from the self-administered portion of the 1990 Ontario Health Survey, a random probability survey of Ontario residents. The sample consists of 1127 Francophones and a random subset of 4023 Anglophones. Evidence, unique to Francophones, indicates a steady age-related decline in the median age of onset of daily cigarette consumption. Unlike Anglophones, multivariate results reveal that Francophones age 35-44 are significantly more likely than all other age groups to smoke cigarettes daily and to smoke a pack or more daily. Sub-groups within Ontario's Francophone community may be experiencing health-related risks associated with frequent and heavy consumption of cigarettes, and thus may be in need of addiction-related services.