Association of social jetlag with cigarette smoking, smoking intensity, and quitting intentions among Korean workers

Abstract

Background In modern urban environments, individuals consistently encounter artificial light exposure, which disrupts their biological rhythms. This phenomenon contributes to social jetlag, where individuals experience a misalignment between biological and social rhythms. We explored the association between social jetlag and smoking behaviors in workers.Materials and methods This cross-sectional study included Korean workers. Social jetlag was calculated as the difference in the mid-point between sleep onset and offset times on free days and workdays. Outcome variables were self-reported cigarette smoking status, cotinine-verified smoking intensity, and quitting intention among smokers. Urine cotinine-to-creatinine ratio was used to assess smoking intensity. Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results Among the sample, 12.0% had >= 120 min of social jetlag. Social jetlag of >= 120 min had a positive association with self-reported cigarette smoking (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.73-2.55) and had a negative association with quitting intention (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29-0.90) compared with social jetlag of 0-59 min. Social jetlag of >= 120 min was associated with both low- (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.57-2.75) and high-intensity smoking (OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.79-3.08).Conclusion Social jetlag is positively associated with cigarette smoking, smoking intensity, while negatively associated with quitting intentions among current smokers.