Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Advisor

Jeannette Manger

Abstract

There is substantial research regarding the negative physical side effects of smoking, such as increased risk of developing hypertension or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking rates are substantially higher among those with a pre-existing mental illness (such as schizophrenia or generalized anxiety disorder)1. Additionally, second-hand smoke exposure among non-smokers has been attributed to an increased risk of developing symptoms of poor mental health (such as anxiety or depression)2,3. It has also been shown that smoking cessation leads to improved mental health4. However, there is limited research regarding the negative effects of smoking on mental health, especially in the state of Ohio, across rural and urban counties, and in comparison to surrounding states. This study aims to clarify these relationships and help guide further research in the field. This article will expose the relationships between these two variables that are ever-increasing in relevance and importance as well as provide direction for further research. County health rankings, a de-identified national database, was used to research these trends and associations. Data from 2022 was used when comparing the relationship between two variables. Data from 2016 and 2022 were used to track the short term changes. These years are especially interesting as they may highlight the changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. Spearman correlation, unpaired t-test, and ANOVA test were used to statistically analyze the data where appropriate. Smoking percent and mentally unhealthy days in Ohio significantly increased from 2016 to 2022. There are significant differences in smoking percent among adults and mentally unhealthy between Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Indiana.

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