General Health and Resilience of Smokers and Non-Smokers

Abstract

Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide, with broad impacts on overall health beyond the well-known risks of lung cancer and respiratory diseases. This study examined the relationship between general health and resilience in a sample of 80 female smokers and non-smokers aged 18-25. Participants completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) to assess overall health and the Brief Resilience Scale. Results showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.442, p < 0.01) between GHQ and resilience scores, indicating that poorer general health was associated with lower resilience. The moderate strength of the correlation suggests that while general health status impacts resilience, other factors likely influence resilience capacities as well. The findings align with prior research demonstrating the systemic physiological toll of smoking, including oxidative stress, inflammation, compromised immune function, and reduced physical fitness. By impairing multiple domains of health, smoking diminishes the body's resilience reserves for effectively preventing, responding to, and recovering from additional stressors and illnesses over time compared to non-smokers. Maintaining good overall health through practices like avoiding smoking appears crucial for preserving resilience. This study elucidates the link between general health and resilience capacities, with potential implications for public health policies and clinical guidance around smoking prevention and cessation.