NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Many people with chronic illnesses that can be worsened, or even caused, by smoking continue to puff away on cigarettes, according to a survey conducted by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

In 2000-2001, 38% of people with emphysema, 25% of people with asthma, 20% of people with hypertension or cardiovascular problems and 19% of people with diabetes reported being smokers, according to a press release from the AHRQ. Among all smokers, 57% reported that their doctors had urged them to give up cigarettes at some time during the 12 months prior to the survey. The researchers also found that people in fair to poor health were roughly 1.5 times more likely to smoke than those who reported being in excellent or very good health. The findings stem from the AHRQ's Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, which went out to 15,661 adults in 2000-2001. The survey, designed to collect a variety of information on people's health and their satisfaction with health care, also included questions on smoking habits and whether or not smokers had been counseled by a doctor to quit. About one quarter of US adults overall currently smoke cigarettes. Among those 18 or older, people with less than a high school education were about twice as likely to smoke as those who reported more than 12 years of education, the survey found. One third of those who didn't finish high school smoked, compared to 16% of people who had graduated from high school.

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