Religious Predictors of Cigarette Smoking: Findings for African American Women of Childbearing Age

Abstract

Data from a community-based survey of 252 African American women 18 to 44 years of age were used to examine the relation between cigarette smoking and two measures of religious involvement. Findings indicated that cigarette smoking among African American women of childbearing age is related to their denominational affiliation. Specifically, Pentecostal women had significantly lower odds of being a current smoker and higher odds of quitting smoking than did women who belonged to other religious denominations. No significant association was found, however, between smoking and the degree of religiosity. Older age and lower level of education predicted current smoking, whereas having few daily hassles was associated with quitting smoking.

Index Terms:

• Blacks
• childbearing women
• religion
• smoking