Financial dependence linked to tobacco use

Young adults in the US who are financially dependent on their parents are between about three and seven times more likely to be tobacco users than are their financially independent counterparts.

Those financially dependent are also 63-86 percent less likely to have quit tobacco than are those financially independent.

These are the key findings of a study by Legacy that was published in the American Journal of Health Behavior.

In releasing the study yesterday, Legacy said there were ‘growing concerns about how the Great Recession of 2007 has impacted the Millennial Generation and their health’.

‘Legacy’s study provides further evidence that more research is needed in order to conclude how financial dependence on someone else affects young adults’ well-being,’ the organization said.

‘The study points to the high rates of tobacco use and unique financial challenges of Millennials, and asserts that it is important to re-examine how lifestyle changes have impacted tobacco consumption among those born between 1977 and 1994 in order to identify new and emerging at-risk populations.’