Little Cigars and Cigarillos: Users, Perceptions, and Reasons for Use.

Abstract

This study examines little cigar and cigarillo (LCC) adult user characteristics, perceived addictiveness, use and importance of flavors, intentions to continue use, and reasons for use to inform prevention efforts and regulatory policy. Data come from the 2014 Tobacco Products and Risk Perceptions Survey of a national probability sample of 5717 US adults, conducted online, June-November, 2014. The analytic sample consisted of 141 current LCC users. Current LCC smokers were more likely to be male, younger, black or Hispanic, lower SES, current cigarette smokers, and to report poorer health than non-smokers. Perceived addictiveness was low overall, with 73.6% considering themselves "not at all" addicted, although female LCC users and dual users of cigarettes were more likely to consider themselves addicted to LCCs. Use of flavored LCCs was widespread. Flavors were cited as important reasons for use, especially among younger users, as were favorable comparisons with affordability and burn time of cigarettes. Most LCC users do not perceive themselves addicted to LCCs. Users report being influenced most by flavorings and affordability, indicating that appropriate regulations and education to improve health perceptions could help reduce use of these harmful products.