Predictors of the prevalence of tobacco use among Francophones and Anglophones in the province of Ontario

This study examines Francophone/Anglophone differences in levels and patterns of tobacco use and associated risk factors in the province of Ontario, Canada. Estimates are derived from the self-administered portion of the 1990 Ontario Health Survey, a random probability survey of Ontario residents. The sample consists of 1127 Francophones and a random subset of 4023 Anglophones. Evidence, unique to Francophones, indicates a steady age-related decline in the median age of onset of daily cigarette consumption. Unlike Anglophones, multivariate results reveal that Francophones age 35–44 are significantly more likely than all other age groups to smoke cigarettes daily and to smoke a pack or more daily. Sub-groups within Ontario's Francophone community may be experiencing health-related risks associated with frequent and heavy consumption of cigarettes, and thus may be in need of addiction-related services.