Does Tobacco Use Differ by Metropolitan Status Among Young Adults Males Ages 18-34?

Mankus Ke

doi:10.21767/2572-5483.100037

Abstract

Purpose: With conflicting findings for the relationship between tobacco use and metropolitan status, the purpose of this study is to assess whether smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco differs by metropolitan status for young adult males in the general population. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis uses 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for N=935 males ages 18 to 34 in Florida, Michigan, New York, and Washington. Ordered logistic regression was performed for combined state data to assess patterns in relationships between tobacco use (none vs chewing tobacco only vs smoking cigarettes only vs both) and metropolitan status while controlling health-related, demographic, and socioeconomic factors and state. Results: Across states, about one-fourth of young adult males reported tobacco use (26%), with about one-fifth for smoking cigarettes only (18%), and very few for chewing tobacco only (6%) or both chewing and smoking cigarettes (3%). In this study, roughly one-third lived in urban (27%), suburban (41%) or rural (32%) areas. The results of adjusted analysis indicated that each successive level of tobacco use was moderately related to living in a suburban or rural area and moderately- to highly-related to moderate and excessive alcohol use. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that successive use of chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes in young adult males in the general population is related to living in suburban or rural areas and to moderate and excessive alcohol use. In primary care, providers may expect up to one-fourth of young adult males to smoke cigarettes or chew and half to use alcohol. Because these are moderately to high-related, providers should continue to screen for tobacco and alcohol use in all young adult males, especially those living in suburban or rural communities. Clinicians should provide education and resources for tobacco cessation and substance abuse programs as necessary.

Highlights

Each year, 6 million people die from tobacco-related causes worldwide and this figure is predicted to increase to 8 million deaths in the fifteen years [1]
The purpose of our research was to assess whether smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco differs by metropolitan status among young adult males ages 18-34 in the general population
Our research found that tobacco use was significantly related to moderate and excessive alcohol use in this target population, which is well known [18] and problematic as smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and alcohol use contribute to chronic health issues [2,11,19]

Summary

Introduction

6 million people die from tobacco-related causes worldwide and this figure is predicted to increase to 8 million deaths in the fifteen years [1]. In the U.S alone, 480,000 people die from cigarette smoking annually, making it the leading cause of preventable disease and death [2,3]. More males smoke and chew tobacco than females [2,4,5,6,7,8]. Minorities are more likely to smoke, with the exception of the Asian population [9,10], whereas Caucasian and Native American groups are more likely to use chewing tobacco [11]. Socioeconomic factors, such as lower income levels [1,8,9,12] and lower education status [2,3,13] are associated with tobacco use

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