Abstract
Lung cancer mortality in women is increasing across Europe, reflecting the alarming increase in smoking prevalence. Authors examined factors associated with knowledge and beliefs about smoking and cancer among women in five European countries: France, Ireland, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Sweden by a cross-sectional landline telephone survey.
A total of 5,000 women were interviewed. The mean knowledge and belief scores about smoking and cancer were lower in current smokers than those of never and former smokers (P < 0.05).
Women with above-the-median income (P = 0.001) and women who held skilled occupations seemed to be more knowledgeable about tobacco health risks (P < 0.001). The number of friends and family who smoked was inversely associated with knowledge on the harmful effects of tobacco (P = 0.001).
Swedish women were the most knowledgeable about tobacco-related cancer risk, whereas in France and Italy, current smokers were less knowledgeable.