Association between tobacco use and lifestyle in a sample of lower income urban African-Americans in the American south.

There has been little research evaluating links between low-income populations' lifestyles and their tobacco use status. We surveyed 398 low-income individuals living in Housing Authority complexes in Columbus, Georgia. Current, former, and never tobacco users were compared for their health-related behaviors and lifestyles. Study findings suggest that current tobacco users were less healthy than comparisons, but had less unfavorable obesity measurements. In lifestyle choices, tobacco users were more likely than comparisons to be interested in sports (football, basketball, etc.), shopping, and participate in church activities.