Breast cancer in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): receptor status and treatment.

Objective There is a decreased risk of breast cancer in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) versus the general population; little is known regarding the receptor status of breast cancers in SLE, or treatment. Methods Breast cancer cases occurring after SLE diagnosis were ascertained through linkage with tumor registries. We determined breast cancer positivity for estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and/or Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), as well as cancer treatment. Results We obtained information on ER, PR, and/or HER2 status for 63 SLE patients with breast cancer. Fifty-three had information on ER and/or PR status; 36 of these (69%) were ER positive. Thirty-six of the 63 had information on HER2 status; of these, 26 had complete information on all three receptors. Twenty-one of these 26 (81%) were HER2 negative; seven of 26(27%) were triple negative. All but one patient underwent surgery; 11.5% received both non-tamoxifen chemotherapy and radiotherapy, 16.4% radiotherapy without non-tamoxifen chemotherapy, and 14.7% received non-tamoxifen chemotherapy without radiotherapy. Conclusion ER positivity was similar to historical general population figures, with a trend toward a higher proportion of triple-negative breast cancers in SLE (possibly reflecting the relatively young age of our SLE patients).

Breast cancer in systemic lupus.

Objective There is a decreased breast cancer risk in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) versus the general population. We assessed a large sample of SLE patients, evaluating demographic and clinical characteristics and breast cancer risk. Methods We performed case-cohort analyses within a multi-center international SLE sample. We calculated the breast cancer hazard ratio (HR) in female SLE patients, relative to demographics, reproductive history, family history of breast cancer, and time-dependent measures of anti-dsDNA positivity, cumulative disease activity, and drugs, adjusted for SLE duration. Results There were 86 SLE breast cancers and 4498 female SLE cancer-free controls. Patients were followed on average for 7.6 years. Versus controls, SLE breast cancer cases tended to be white and older. Breast cancer cases were similar to controls regarding anti-dsDNA positivity, disease activity, and most drug exposures over time. In univariate and multivariate models, the principal factor associated with breast cancers was older age at cohort entry. Conclusions There was little evidence that breast cancer risk in this SLE sample was strongly driven by any of the clinical factors that we studied. Further search for factors that determine the lower risk of breast cancer in SLE may be warranted.

Socioeconomic status, race and COPD health outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common cause of death and disability, little is known about the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) and race-ethnicity on health outcomes. METHODS: The aim of this study is to determine the independent impacts of SES and race-ethnicity on COPD severity status, functional limitations and acute exacerbations of COPD among patients with access to healthcare. Data were used from the Function, Living, Outcomes and Work cohort study of 1202 Kaiser Permanente Northern California Medical Care Plan members with COPD. RESULTS: Lower educational attainment and household income were consistently related to greater disease severity, poorer lung function and greater physical functional limitations in cross-sectional analysis. Black race was associated with greater COPD severity, but these differences were no longer apparent after controlling for SES variables and other covariates (comorbidities, smoking, body mass index and occupational exposures). Lower education and lower income were independently related to a greater prospective risk of acute COPD exacerbation (HR 1.5; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.1; and HR 2.1; 95% CI 1.4 to 3.4, respectively). CONCLUSION: Low SES is a risk factor for a broad array of adverse COPD health outcomes. Clinicians and disease management programs should consider SES as a key patient-level marker of risk for poor outcomes.

Performance of self-reported occupational exposure compared to a job-exposure matrix approach in asthma and chronic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES: Self-reported exposure to vapours, gas, dust or fumes (VGDF) has been widely used as an occupational exposure metric in epidemiological studies of chronic lung diseases. Our objective was to characterise the performance of VGDF for repeatability, systematic misclassification, and sensitivity and specificity against exposure likelihood by a job-exposure matrix (JEM). METHODS: We analysed data from two interviews, 24 months apart, of adults with asthma and chronic rhinitis. Using distinct job as the unit of analysis, we tested a single response item (exposure to VGDF) against assignment using a JEM. We further analysed VGDF and the JEM among a subset of 199 subjects who reported the same job at both interviews, using logistic regression analysis to test factors associated with VGDF inconsistency and discordance with the JEM. RESULTS: VGDF was reported for 193 (44%) of 436 distinct jobs held by the 348 subjects studied; moderate to high exposure likelihood by JEM was assigned to 120 jobs (28%). The sensitivity and specificity of VGDF against JEM were 71% and 66%, respectively. Among 199 subjects with the same job at both interviews, 32% had a discordant VGDF status (kappa = 0.35). Those with chronic rhinitis without concomitant asthma compared to asthma alone were more likely to have a VGDF report discordant with the JEM (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4 to 9.0; p = 0.01). Rhinitis was also associated with reported VGDF in a job classified by the JEM as low exposure (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.6 to 9.4; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The VGDF item is moderately sensitive measured against JEM as a benchmark. The measure is a useful assessment method for epidemiological studies of occupational exposure risk.

Workplace policies and prevalence of knee osteoarthritis: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies on work and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) have been primarily focused on physical demands; very little is known about work-related organisational policies and KOA risks and outcomes. We examined the associations between workplace policies and KOA in a community-based population in the USA. METHODS: The associations between employment offering accommodations (switch to physically less demanding jobs; part-time work for people needing reduced time) and benefits policies (paid sick leave; disability payment) with KOA outcomes (knee symptoms; symptomatic KOA [sKOA]; asymptomatic radiographic KOA [rKOA]) were analysed in participants (n = 1639) aged <65 years old and with completed employment histories and knee radiographs at baseline examination of the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the prevalence odds ratios (ORs) of KOA associated with each workplace policy, adjusting for sociodemographic features, lifestyle factors, knee injuries, body mass index and other workplace characteristics. We used propensity score models to evaluate the differential selection in employment offering favourable policies and adjust for this potential bias accordingly. RESULTS: Individuals employed in workplaces offering better policies had significantly less knee symptoms. Lower sKOA prevalence was noted in workplaces offering job-switch accommodation (8% vs. 13%), paid sick leave (9% vs. 16%) and disability payment (8% vs. 16%) than their counterparts. In multivariable models, the difference in sKOA prevalence was statistically significant for paid sick leave (adjusted OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.91) and disability payment policies (adjusted OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.85). Even among those without overt knee-related symptoms, a similar pattern of negative association between workplace policies and rKOA was present and remained robust after propensity score adjustment. CONCLUSION: The negative associations between KOA and workplace policies raise concerns about possible employment discrimination or beneficial effects of workplace policies. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the dynamic complexities of KOA risks and outcomes in relation to workplace policies.

Negative life events and quality of life in adults with asthma.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between stress and quality of life in adults with asthma has not been well studied. Stress, quantified by negative life events, may be linked to quality of life in asthma through multiple pathways, including increase in disease severity and adverse effects on socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: The responses to a self-completed questionnaire assessing negative life events (NLEs) in the previous 12 months (from a 24-item checklist) among 189 adults with asthma from a well-characterised cohort were analysed. The relationship between the number of NLEs reported and asthma-specific quality of life (AQOL) was measured with the Marks instrument. General linear modelling was used to test the conjoint effects of NLEs, SES and disease severity based on the Severity of Asthma Score, a validated acute and chronic disease measure. RESULTS: Those with annual family incomes < 60,000 dollars reported significantly more NLEs than those with higher incomes (p = 0.03). The number of NLEs did not differ significantly between those with forced expiratory volume in 1 s <80% predicted and those with >80% predicted, nor among those with lower compared with higher Severity of Asthma Score. The frequency of NLEs was associated with poorer (higher numerical score) AQOL (p = 0.002). When studied together in the same model, combinations of income level and asthma severity (greater or lesser Severity of Asthma Score; p < 0.001) and number of NLEs (p = 0.03) were both significantly associated with AQOL. CONCLUSION: NLEs are associated with quality of life among adults with asthma, especially among those of lower SES. Clinicians should be aware of this relationship, especially in vulnerable patient subsets.

Area-level socio-economic status and health status among adults with asthma and rhinitis.

Socio-economic status (SES) may affect health status in airway disease at the individual and area level. In a cohort of adults with asthma, rhinitis or both conditions, questionnaire-derived individual-level SES and principal components analysis (PCA) of census data for area-level SES factors were used. Regression analysis was utilised to study the associations among individual- and area-level SES for the following four health status measures: severity of asthma scores and the Short Form-12 Physical Component Scale (SF-12 PCS) (n = 404); asthma-specific quality of life (QoL) scores (n = 340); and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) per cent predicted (n = 218). PCA yielded a two-factor solution for area-level SES. Factor 1 (lower area-level SES) was significantly associated with poorer SF-12 PCS and worse asthma QoL. These associations remained significant after adding individual-level SES. Factor 1 was also significantly associated with severity of asthma scores, but not after addition of the individual-level SES. Factor 2 (suburban area-level SES) was associated with lower FEV1 per cent predicted in combined area-level and individual SES models. In conclusion, area-level socio-economic status is linked to some, but not all, of the studied health status measures after taking into account individual-level socio-economic status.

Prevalence and predictors of disability in valued life activities among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of disability in a wide range of life activities and identify factors associated with such disability using the Verbrugge and Jette disablement model as a framework. METHODS: Data were from a panel study of 548 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, interviewed annually by telephone. Valued life activity (VLA) disability was assessed using a 26-item scale rating difficulty in carrying out each activity. Three types of summary measure were calculated: activities unable to perform, activities affected, and mean difficulty. Subscale scores were also calculated, corresponding to obligatory, committed, and discretionary activities, as defined in the disablement model. Disease status measures were examined as predictors of VLA disability using multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Half the subjects were unable to do at least one VLA. Approximately 2%, 31.3%, and 40.2% were unable to do at least one obligatory, committed, and discretionary activity, respectively. Almost all (95%) reported at least one VLA affected by rheumatoid arthritis; 68.4%, 91.4%, and 92.5% reported at least one obligatory, committed, and discretionary activity, respectively, affected. Disease status measures were robust predictors of VLA disability, accounting for 22-47% of the variation in VLA disability (with one exception). Adding the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) to these models increased (p<0.0001) all model R2 values. HAQ score mediated the effects of many disease measures, consistent with the disablement model. CONCLUSION: VLA disability was common, with more disability noted in committed and discretionary than obligatory activities. Because VLA disability has been linked to psychological wellbeing in previous studies, identification of factors that may protect against such disability is important.

The association between occupational factors and adverse health outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite recognition that occupational exposures may make a substantive contribution to the aetiology of COPD, little is known about the potential role of work related factors in COPD related health outcomes. METHODS: Prospective cohort study using structured telephone interviews among a random sample of adults aged 55-75 reporting a COPD condition (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or COPD). Using multivariate models adjusting for smoking and demographic factors, the separate and combined associations were estimated between occupational exposure to vapours, gas, dust, or fumes (VGDF) and leaving work due to lung disease (respiratory related work disability) with health outcomes and utilisation ascertained at one year follow up. RESULTS: Of 234 subjects, 128 (55%) reported exposure to VGDF on their longest held jobs, 58 (25%) reported respiratory related work disability, and 38 (16%) subjects reported both. Combined exposure to VGDF and respiratory related work disability (rather than either factor alone) was associated with the greatest risk at follow up of frequent (everyday) restricted activity days attributed to a breathing or lung condition (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.4 to 10.1), emergency department (ED) visit (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.4 to 10.5), and hospitalisation (OR 7.6; 95% CI 1.8 to 32). CONCLUSIONS: Among persons with COPD, past occupational exposures and work disability attributed to lung disease, particularly in combination, appear to be risk factors for adverse health related outcomes.

Exposure to indoor combustion and adult asthma outcomes: environmental tobacco smoke, gas stoves, and woodsmoke.

BACKGROUND: Because they have chronic airway inflammation, adults with asthma may be particularly susceptible to indoor air pollution. Despite widespread exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), gas stoves, and woodsmoke, the impact of these exposures on adult asthma has not been well characterised. METHODS: Data were used from a prospective cohort study of 349 adults with asthma who underwent structured telephone interviews at baseline and 18 month follow up. The prospective impact of ETS, gas stove, and woodsmoke exposure on health outcomes was examined. RESULTS: ETS exposure at baseline interview was associated with impaired health status at longitudinal follow up. Compared with respondents with no baseline self-reported exposure to ETS, higher level exposure (>/=7 hours/week) was associated with worse severity of asthma scores at follow up, controlling for baseline asthma severity, age, sex, race, income, and educational attainment (mean score increment 1.5 points; 95% CI 0.4 to 2.6). Higher level baseline exposure to ETS was also related to poorer physical health status (mean decrement -4.9 points; 95% CI -8.4 to -1.3) and asthma specific quality of life (mean increase 4.4 points; 95% CI -0.2 to 9.0) at longitudinal follow up. Higher level baseline ETS exposure was associated with a greater risk of emergency department visits (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 10.3) and hospital admissions for asthma at prospective follow up (OR 12.2; 95% CI 1.5 to 102). There was no clear relationship between gas stove use or woodstove exposure and asthma health outcomes. CONCLUSION: Although gas stove and woodstove exposure do not appear negatively to affect adults with asthma, ETS is associated with a clear impairment in health status.

Alternative therapies among adults with a reported diagnosis of asthma or rhinosinusitis : data from a population-based survey.

BACKGROUND: Asthma and rhinosinusitis are common medical conditions among adults. Alternative treatments could have important impacts on health status among those individuals with these conditions, but specific prevalence data for these treatments are limited. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of specific alternative treatment modalities, including herbal agents, ingestion of caffeinated beverages, homeopathy, acupuncture, and massage therapies. DESIGN: Random population telephone sample. SETTING: Northern California. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred adults aged 18 to 50 years with self-report of a physician diagnosis of asthma (n = 125) or rhinosinusitis without concomitant asthma (n = 175). MEASUREMENTS: Structured telephone interviews covering demographics and clinical variables, including the following alternative treatments used in the previous 12 months: herbal agents; caffeine-containing products; homeopathy; acupuncture; aromatherapy; reflexology; and massage. RESULTS: Any alternative practice was reported by 127 subjects (42%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 36 to 48%). Of these, 33 subjects (26%; 95% CI, 21 to 31%) were not current prescription medication users. Herbal use was reported by 72 subjects (24%), caffeine treatment by 54 subjects (18%), and other alternative treatments by 66 subjects (22%). Taking into account demographic variables, subjects with asthma were more likely than those with rhinitis alone to report caffeine self-treatment for their condition (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.8%), but herbal use and other alternative treatments did not differ significantly by condition group. CONCLUSION: Alternative treatments are frequent among adults with asthma or rhinosinusitis and should be taken into account by health-care providers and public health and policy analysts.

Risk factors for hospitalization among adults with asthma: the influence of sociodemographic factors and asthma severity.

BACKGROUND: The morbidity and mortality from asthma have markedly increased since the late 1970s. The hospitalization rate, an important marker of asthma severity, remains substantial. METHODS: In adults with health care access, we prospectively studied 242 with asthma, aged 18-50 years, recruited from a random sample of allergy and pulmonary physician practices in Northern California to identify risk factors for subsequent hospitalization. RESULTS: Thirty-nine subjects (16%) reported hospitalization for asthma during the 18-month follow-up period. On controlling for asthma severity in multiple logistic regression analysis, non-white race (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-8.8) and lower income (OR, 1.1 per $10,000 decrement; 95% CI, 0.9-1.3) were associated with a higher risk of asthma hospitalization. The severity-of-asthma score (OR, 3.4 per 5 points; 95%, CI 1.7-6.8) and recent asthma hospitalization (OR, 8.3; 95%, CI, 2.1-33.4) were also related to higher risk, after adjusting for demographic characteristics. Reliance on emergency department services for urgent asthma care was also associated with a greater likelihood of hospitalization (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.0-9.8). In multivariate analysis not controlling for asthma severity, low income was even more strongly related to hospitalization (OR, 1.2 per $10,000 decrement; 95% CI, 1.02-1.4). CONCLUSION: In adult asthmatics with access to health care, non-white race, low income, and greater asthma severity were associated with a higher risk of hospitalization. Targeted interventions applied to high-risk asthma patients may reduce asthma morbidity and mortality.

Measurement of environmental tobacco smoke exposure among adults with asthma.

Because the morbidity and mortality from adult asthma have been increasing, the identification of modifiable environmental exposures that exacerbate asthma has become a priority. Limited evidence suggests that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) may adversely affect adults with asthma. To study the effects of ETS better, we developed a survey instrument to measure ETS exposure in a cohort of adults with asthma living in northern California, where public indoor smoking is limited. To validate this survey instrument, we used a passive badge monitor that measures actual exposure to ambient nicotine, a direct and specific measure of ETS. In this validation study, we recruited 50 subjects from an ongoing longitudinal asthma cohort study who had a positive screening question for ETS exposure or potential exposure. Each subject wore a passive nicotine badge monitor for 7 days. After the personal monitoring period, we readministered the ETS exposure survey instrument. Based on the survey, self-reported total ETS exposure duration ranged from 0 to 70 hr during the previous 7 days. Based on the upper-range boundary, bars or nightclubs (55 hr) and the home (50 hr) were the sites associated with greatest maximal self-reported exposure. As measured by the personal nicotine badge monitors, the overall median 7-day nicotine concentration was 0.03 microg/m(3) (25th-75th interquartile range 0-3.69 microg/m(3)). Measured nicotine concentrations were highest among persons who reported home exposure (median 0.61 microg/m(3)), followed by work exposure (0.03 microg/m(3)), other (outdoor) exposure (0.025 microg/m(3)), and no exposure (0 microg/m(3); p = 0.03). The Spearman rank correlation coefficient between self-reported ETS exposure duration and directly measured personal nicotine concentration during the same 7-day period was 0.47, supporting the survey's validity (p = 0.0006). Compared to persons with no measured exposure, lower-level [odds ratio (OR) 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.4-8.8] and higher-level ETS exposures (OR 6.8; 95% CI, 1.4-32.3) were associated with increased risk of respiratory symptoms. A brief, validated survey instrument can be used to assess ETS exposure among adults with asthma, even with low levels of exposure. This instrument could be a valuable tool for studying the effect of ETS exposure on adult asthma health outcomes.

Patterns of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug use, medical resource consumption, and cost among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

We compared medical resource use and costs among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving alternative disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The cohort study used data from a managed care organization. Health plan members who were prescribed DMARD therapy for at least 2 consecutive months, were age 18 years or older, had at least 6 months of DMARD-free enrollment prior to the first DMARD, and had a diagnosis of RA before or during the first month of DMARD were eligible. Median duration of initial DMARD therapy was 10 months overall: 11 months for hydroxychloroquine (n = 252), 15 months for methotrexate (n = 185), 5 months for sulfasalazine (n = 49), and 5 months for other mono/combination therapy (n = 85) (p < 0.0001). The average monthly cost of care was $853, of which $294 (34%) was for RA-coded medical services. In multivariate analyses, monthly RA-coded costs varied significantly by initial DMARD. RA costs and duration of initial therapy varied significantly by initial DMARD.

Activity loss and the onset of depressive symptoms: do some activities matter more than others?

OBJECTIVE: This study continues an investigation into the role of decline in performance of valued life activities in the development of depressive symptoms among persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined whether declines in specific types of activities are important in the onset of depressive symptoms or whether the important factor is simply the overall burden of activity decline. METHODS: Data from a longitudinal study of persons with RA, for which individuals are interviewed annually, were used. Two analyses (n = 344 and 310) were conducted because of differences in the way life activities were assessed over time. Each analysis covered 4 interviews (1989-1992 and 1995-1998). Analyses were structured so that the decline in performance of life activities clearly preceded the development of depressive symptoms. The outcome variable was the presence of depressive symptoms at time 4; primary independent variables were activity decline between time 2 and time 3. Individuals with high levels of depressive symptoms prior to time 4 were excluded from the analyses. RESULTS: In both analyses, total decline in performance of life activities was an important predictor of subsequent high levels of depressive symptoms. However, some activity domains were more closely linked to the onset of new depressive symptoms than others. In particular, declines in the ability to perform recreational activities and engage in social interactions were linked to the onset of new depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Declines in the ability to engage in recreational activities and social interactions appear to significantly increase the risk of new depressive symptoms. These findings can give direction to both clinical inquiries into patients' functioning and interventions intended to enhance functioning.

The work impact of asthma and rhinitis: findings from a population-based survey.

Asthma and rhinitis are common chronic conditions that affect adults of working age. Little is known about their relative impacts on work loss and decreased productivity. Using random digit telephone dialing, we carried out a population-survey of adults in Northern California aged 18-50 years. We interviewed 125 persons with asthma (with or without concomitant rhinitis) and 175 persons with rhinitis alone. Study eligibility was based on subject report of a physician's diagnosis of asthma and/or a rhinitis-related condition. Any adult labor force participation since condition onset was lower among those with asthma (88%) than among those with rhinitis alone (97%) (P = 0.002). In contrast, among those still employed, decreased job effectiveness was more frequently reported in the rhinitis group (43 of 121; 36%) compared to those with asthma (14 of 72; 19%) (P = 0.02). Condition-attributed lost work was common in both groups, with more than 20% reporting one or more complete or partial work days lost in the 4 weeks previous to interview. Taking into account age, gender, race, and smoking status, those with asthma were more likely to have no labor force participation after diagnosis (OR = 3.0; 95% CI 1.1-7.7) and less likely to report decreased job effectiveness among those remaining employed (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.2-0.9). Excluding subjects from the rhinitis group most likely to have unreported asthma based on past medication use had little impact on these associations. Both asthma and rhinitis negatively affect work productivity. Those with asthma are less likely to be employed at all, while among those remaining on the job, rhinitis is a more potent cause of decreased work effectiveness. The economic impact of asthma and rhinitis and related conditions may be under-appreciated.

Asthma and smoking status in a population-based study of California adults.

OBJECTIVE: Because they experience respiratory symptoms, adults with asthma might be expected to avoid cigarette smoking. However, previous studies have not adequately addressed whether adults with asthma have a lower prevalence of smoking than the general population. The authors sought to determine whether adult asthmatics are less likely to smoke cigarettes than members of the general population. METHODS: The authors used data from a random sample of 2,902 California adults ages 18 years or older,with oversampling of African Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders, adults with disabilities, and adults aged 45 to 70 years. Sampling weights were used in all analyses. In this cross-sectional study, 217 participants (7.5%) reported a physician diagnosis of asthma. RESULTS: The prevalence of "ever smoking" was similar among adults with asthma (48.3%) and those without asthma (43.0%) (risk difference 5.3%; 95% CI -1.6%, 12.2%). There was also no difference in the prevalence of "current smoking" among adults with asthma (20.2%) compared with the non-asthmatic subjects (18.8%) (risk difference 1.4%; 95% CI -4.2%, 6.9%). After controlling for age, gender, race, and education, there was no evidence that adults with asthma were less likely to ever smoke. Although the confidence intervals did not exclude "no association," asthma was actually associated with an increased risk of ever smoking (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0, 1.8). There was also no association between asthma and the risk of current smoking after controlling for covariates (OR 1.1; 95% CI 0.8, 1.6). Moreover, there were no differences in "age of smoking initiation," "duration of smoking," or "intensity of smoking" after adjusting for demographic characteristics. Redefining the referent group to exclude respondents with other chronic lung diseases did not appreciably change study conclusions. CONCLUSION: Adults with asthma do not appear to selectively avoid cigarette smoking. Specific smoking prevention and cessation efforts should be targeted to adults with asthma.