HAMBURG Young, healthy smokers take more time off work sick than nonsmokers, and male smokers take more time off than female smokers, according to a new study published in the journal Tobacco Control.

The study examined the records of 88,000 men and women in active service of the U.S. Army. Their average age was 28.5.

Male smokers have a one-third higher risk and female smokers a 25 percent higher risk of hospitalization than nonsmokers, the study found.

The researchers said similar studies up to now have concentrated on older people. "It is notable that one single risk factor in this short study period was the cause of so many hospitalization cases and lost work days."

(DPA)