Abstract
Objective: We classified a cohort of smokers based on clinical background and characterized each group.
Methods: From June 2013 to June 2018, we categorized adult smokers who responded to an online questionnaire at the time of starting a smoking cessation app using cluster analysis.
Results: We classified 5,114 current smokers based on their responses to the questionnaire into six types of smokers according to smoking habits, respiratory symptoms, and physical activity: low tobacco dependence, high activity, heavy smoking, multiple symptom, frequent smoking cessation, and mild symptom types. Smokers of the high activity type were younger with a high level of physical activity. Those of the heavy smoking type were older with a high Brinkman index and history of several past illnesses. The multiple symptom type was associated with a history of bronchial asthma. Those classified as the frequent smoking cessation type had a history of multiple smoking cessation attempts and past mental illnesses. There were many full-time housewives/househusbands among those classified as the mild symptom type.
Conclusions: This cohort of smokers classified according to clinical background showed distinct patterns in terms of age, past illnesses, and occupation.
