Physical, Mental and Social Wellbeing and Quality of Life among Current Smokers

Abstract

Cigarette smoking has known negative effects on physical and mental health. Over 16 million Americans suffer from smoking-related illnesses, and one-third of individuals with mental health issues are also cigarette smokers. Both physical and mental health are associated with measures of overall quality of life, a critical outcome that can influence treatment, intervention, and prevention decision-making. However, the direct relation between smoking and quality of life is not clear and requires further investigation. The present study utilized data from 34,309 adults who participated in Wave 5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) to examine the relation between smoking and quality of life while considering the mediating effects of physical and mental health, and the moderating effect of social satisfaction. Using Conditional Process Analyses to integrate mediation and moderation approaches, the present study found that smoking had indirect associations with quality of life mediated through both physical and mental health and that social satisfaction moderated these relationships. Additionally, smoking had an independent direct effect on quality of life that was not moderated by social satisfaction. Results suggest the negative impacts associated with smoking reach beyond its effect on physical, social and mental well-being.