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Cigarette Smoking, Socioeconomic Status, and Psychosocial Factors: Examining a Conceptual Framework
Author(s) -
Harwood Gretchen A.,
Salsberry Pamela,
Ferketich Amy K.,
Wewers Mary Ellen
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1446.2007.00645.x
Subject(s) - psychosocial , socioeconomic status , public health , context (archaeology) , gerontology , inequality , environmental health , conceptual framework , psychology , smoking cessation , medicine , population , nursing , psychiatry , sociology , geography , mathematical analysis , social science , archaeology , mathematics , pathology
Inequalities in cigarette smoking prevalence exist, with smokers more likely to be poor and less educated. Higher socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with higher quit rates. The overall relationship between low SES and poor health, as measured by morbidity and mortality, is well established. However, research indicates that inequalities in health are not explained by SES alone; other variables, such as psychosocial factors, may play a significant role. Williams has developed a conceptual framework to examine relationships among SES, psychosocial factors, and medical care related to health outcomes. According to Williams, the interrelationships among these factors have yet to be determined. As such, the pathways among the variables within psychosocial factors are explored and the authors discuss application to public health nursing practice and areas for future research. Further understanding of these relationships in the context of smoking may inform prevention and cessation strategies.