Table 2

 Baseline age, smoking characteristics, and differences in spirometric results between continuing smokers and quitters

VariableSmokers(n = 2391)Quitters(n = 686)p value
Values are mean (SD) unless otherwise indicated.
FEV1, forced expiratory volume in 1 second; FVC, forced vital capacity; FTND, Fagerström test for nicotine dependence.
Age (years)51.8 (10.1)53.2 (11.7)<0.005
Age at smoking initiation (years)19.6 (4.7)20.3 (5.4)<0.005
Cigarettes per day19.5 (8.2)16.9 (8.3)<0.001
Pack-years30.7 (16.6)27.4 (18.1)<0.001
FEV1/FVC (%)74.7 (12.6)72.3 (13.7)<0.001
FEV1 (l)2.73 (0.9)2.62 (1.1)<0.02
Airway obstruction, n (%)753 (31.5%)273 (39.8%)<0.001
FTND (points)4.98 (2.4)4.04 (2.4)<0.001
No. of previous cessations1.60 (3.5)1.96 (3.6)0.055