Are perceived neighbourhood problems associated with the likelihood of smoking?

OBJECTIVE: To explore associations between residents' perceptions of the local residential environment and the likelihood of their smoking.

DESIGN: Using data (n = 2615) from the West of Scotland Twenty-07 Study, separately by gender, cross-sectional associations between respondents' perceptions of neighbourhood (perceived absence of goods, incivilities and physical environmental problems) and the likelihood of being a current smoker and the amount smoked were examined.

RESULTS: Perceived neighbourhood problems are associated with the likelihood of smoking but mainly among those with the most negative view of the local neighbourhood. Perceptions of the provision of neighbourhood amenities seems to be more strongly associated with women's than men's smoking status, whereas the perceived quality of the local neighbourhood appears to be a better predictor of men's smoking.

CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to reduce smoking levels among more deprived groups may need to pay more attention to the role of local environmental conditions in influencing smoking behaviour.