PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO USE AMONG VETERANS AND INTERVENTIONS Essay

PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO USE AMONG VETERANS AND INTERVENTIONS - Essay Example In addition to these problems, smoking also has been directly linked to causing respiratory complication, oral disease, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. It follows that it is essential greater awareness be brought through veterans to the deleterious consequences of smoking (American Lung Association, 2010). Even as smoking is a considerable problem among the general public, veterans in VA health care demonstrate even statistically higher numbers of illness. Indeed, it is estimated 33 % of the veterans’ population served by the Department of Veterans Affairs are smokers, whereas the national average is at 22% (National Smoking and Tobacco Use Cessation Program directive, 2003).In addition to demonstrating higher percentages of tobacco users, veterans also smoke more heavily than the general population. Much research that has been conducted into this phenomenon indicates that many veterans report beginning smoking while in the military, and after their release continue the pra ctice throughout their daily life as a means of calming anxiety or nerves. The military have always promoted tobacco use in the camps. During both the Second World War and the Korean War the government made complimentary cigarettes available as K-rations. The prevailing wisdom during this period was that cigarettes would keep troops vigilant in the battlefield. Smoking breaks were even used as motivation during boot camp, with soldiers being able to earn breaks (McKinney et al, 1997). It’s believed that the promotion of smoking in these contexts greatly contributed to later day health-related problems among veterans. In these regards, it’s clear that further awareness needs to be brought to the deleterious effects of smoking. Consider statistics from a recent investigation into this phenomenon that indicated 24.1% of 18 – 44 years olds are of veterans are current smokers, this percentage drops to 21.9% for 45 – to – 64 year olds, 11.1% for 65 †“ to 74 –year olds, and 5.8% for those over age 75 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Summary of Health Statistics for U.S. adults, 2006). Women, the fastest growing subgroup of U.S. veterans, are included in the VA health concern. In 2005, the Office of Public Health & Environment indicated that nearly 178,000 women die on a yearly basis as a direct result of smoking related illness. These women also risk cancer, infertility and pregnancy – related problems. SIDS is also common among mothers who smoke during pregnancy. (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2010). Many health experts agreed that the current VA tobacco control efforts to be less effective for women veterans than their male counter – parts. â€Å"Given an expected increase of women veterans with tobacco – related morbidities, developing effective smoking cessation interventions for women veterans is an important goal.† (Katzburg, 2007).In addition to the previously described h ealth risks, research has demonstrated a significant connection between tobacco use and