Tobacco Use Behaviors Research Articles

Come for the Tobacco, Stay for the Flavor: Flavored Cigarillo-Use Trajectories Among Young Adult Sexual Gender Minority Women.

The purpose of this research was to identify how young adult sexual gender minority (SGM) women who use cigarillos may respond to cigar flavor restrictions. Young adults aged 21-28 years in the United States who currently use cigarillos were recruited between October 2020 and April 2021 to participate in an online survey. Due to high prevalence of cigarillo use among individuals who identify as sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) women, their (n = 192) flavored tobacco-use behaviors and anticipated responses to cigarillo flavor restrictions were compared to cisgender heterosexual (CisHet) women (n = 110). Logistic regression was used to model cigarillo cessation and product-switching behaviors (flavored and unflavored). SGM women were significantly less likely to report the use of flavor at the initiation of cigarillo use (61.7% vs. 86.1%) but were no different in current flavor use compared to CisHet women, with more than 80% of all women using any flavor. SGM women were 2.36 times as likely to say they would discontinue using cigarillos if flavors were unavailable. Among those who would continue using cigarillos, SGM women were 4.53 times as likely to endorse switching to an unflavored tobacco product but had the same likelihood of saying they would switch to flavored product compared to CisHet women. Flavor restriction policies may not reduce the initiation of cigarillos among SGM women and may elicit differential cigarillo use and tobacco product substitution by SGM identity. Flavor restriction policies should be coupled with targeted cessation resources to address potential remaining disparities. SGM US women have a unique cigarillo-use trajectory. These women are more likely to initiate cigarillos without flavor and then later integrate it into their behavior. National cigar flavor restrictions are expected to have a greater impact decreasing cigarillo initiation among CisHet women and decreasing current cigarillo use among SGM women. However, for those who would continue using unflavored cigarillos, SGM women may remain at risk for nicotine dependence due to increased product substitution. SGM women should be prioritized for cessation resources to reduce tobacco-use disparities leading up to and following the implementation of cigar flavor restrictions.

2020 design and methods of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study is a nationally representative, longitudinal study of the US population on tobacco use and its effects on health, collecting data annually...

Demographic and Behavioral Differences Between Adolescents and Young Adults Who Use E-Cigarettes at Low and High Frequency.

Among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), "current use" of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) is commonly defined as any use in the past 30 days. However, few studies have examined differences among those within this broad category. This study examined characteristics of AYAs who used e-cigarettes at a low frequency (within the last 3 months but <6 days out of the past 30 days) and those who used e-cigarettes at a high frequency (6+ days out of the past 30 days). We conducted cross-sectional analyses among 551 Ohio AYAs (15- to 24-year-olds) who reported using an e-cigarette to vape nicotine in the past 3 months. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression to characterize those using e-cigarettes at a low frequency and a high frequency. Among our sample of AYAs who reported past 3-month e-cigarette use, about half (50.8%) reported using an e-cigarette 6 or more days out of the past 30 days (ie, high frequency). In the multivariable analysis, reported nicotine dependence (Odds Ratio [OR]: 7.0, 95% CI: 4.8, 10.3) and current other tobacco product use (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.9) were associated with high-frequency e-cigarette use. Our results suggest that frequency of use is an important characteristic in understanding AYA e-cigarette use. Any use in the past 30 days may not be sensitive enough to understand dependence and tobacco-use behaviors. Further characterizing "current" e-cigarette use by frequency of use may provide meaningful information for public health professionals to better target intervention and cessation efforts to AYAs.

Exploring the Influence of E-cigarette Ad Features on Perceived Product Appeal and Use Interest Among Young Adults of Varying Tobacco-Use Behaviors.

Exposure to certain features in commercial e-cigarette ads may influence e-cigarette use perceptions. This study explored the reactions toward common features in e-cigarette ads among young adults of various tobacco-use behaviors. We used data from in-depth interviews with U.S. young adults (ages 18-29) who do not use tobacco (n = 26) and who currently smoke cigarettes (n = 26). Participants viewed 30 print e-cigarette ads that included multiple features (eg, fruit flavors, price promotions, smoker-targeted messages) before discussing their perceived influence of memorable ad features. We used reflective thematic analysis to analyze interview data. Participants from both groups generally noticed fruit and multiple flavors displayed in the ads, which were seen as appealing and were reported to generate product-use interest because of bright colors, sensory appeal, and a variety of flavor options. Participants who smoke perceived price promotions and positive experience testimonials to be appealing, and some reported this generated use interest. Participants from both groups perceived smoker-targeted messages to be unconvincing, and reported this dampened ad and product appeal and use interest. Participants who do not use tobacco perceived nicotine warnings to be unappealing, resulting in reduced perceived appeal of other attractive features (eg, fruit flavors) appearing in the same ads. Marketing features appearing in e-cigarette ads may be perceived by young adults of various tobacco-use behaviors in both similar and different ways. Communication and policy strategies that account for these differential perceptions towards various marketing features are needed to reduce the negative impact of e-cigarette marketing. This study revealed evidence related to young adults' reactions to and perceived influence of commonly used marketing features (eg, fruit flavors, nicotine warnings, price promotions, smoker-targeted messages) in commercial e-cigarette ads. The results highlight the similar and differential perceived appeal and use interest of e-cigarette products promoted with various marketing features among young adults of different tobacco-use behaviors. The results have implications for informing the design of communication strategies and policies related to e-cigarette marketing aimed at promoting complete product switching among young adults who smoke while simultaneously deterring e-cigarette use interest among those who do not use tobacco.

Tobacco Consumption Among Young Population in Rural Indonesia: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Introduction: Tobacco consumption among youths is increasing in Indonesia and other middle-income countries. In rural areas, its prevalence is even higher compared to urban settings. Understanding the extent and associated factors of tobacco consumption within this population is essential to inform the formulation of appropriate prevention and control strategies.&#x0D; Aims: This study aims at analyzing the prevalence and associated factors of tobacco consumption among the young population living in rural Indonesia.&#x0D; Methods: Data were obtained from Indonesia Family Life Survey wave 5 (IFLS-5). A total of 2,786 responses from respondents aged 15-24 years and living in rural areas were taken into analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between tobacco consumption with the predictors.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of tobacco consumption among youths in rural Indonesia was 26.5%. Binary logistic regression discovered that factors significantly associated with tobacco consumption among young population were aged 20-24 years (AOR = 4.760, 95% CI: 3.557-6.368), less educated (AOR = 5.988, 95% CI: 3.193-11.229), being married (AOR = 2.484, 95% CI: 1.631- 3.782), and having smoking parent (AOR = 1.346, 95% CI: 1.016-1.783). Young males had a much higher tobacco use prevalence (57.1%). Whereas females had significant negative association with tobacco consumption (AOR = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.000-0.002).&#x0D; Conclusion: A large portion of youth in rural Indonesia were identified to have tobacco-use behavior. Appropriate prevention and control strategies are needed to address the population groups identified in this study. Policymakers should anticipate challenges that may occur resulting from geographical and cultural differences.

Tobacco-use behavior and toxicant exposure among current dual users of electronic cigarettes and tobacco cigarettes.

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use continues to grow with most users reporting concurrent cigarette smoking, but few studies have focused on tobacco use and toxicant exposure among naturalistic dual-using populations. This controlled clinical laboratory study examined how dual versus exclusive use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes and no tobacco/nicotine affected behavioral, physiological, and subjective measures among current dual users. Twenty-two participants identifying as cigarette (≥ 10 cigarettes per day [CPD]) and e-cigarette (≥ 3 days/week) users of "cig-a-like" e-cigarettes completed four 5-day outpatient conditions, which differed by their own brand of products used ad libitum: (a) cigarette and e-cigarette (dual), (b) cigarette-only, (c) e-cigarette-only, and (d) no tobacco/nicotine. Primary outcomes included daily tobacco use, expired air carbon monoxide (CO), and urinary cotinine and NNAL. Linear mixed models with pairwise comparisons (Bonferroni corrected) were performed (p < .05). CPD did not differ significantly between dual and cigarette-only use, but e-cigarette use and liquid consumed increased significantly during e-cigarette-only relative to dual use. Relative to dual use, expired air CO did not differ during cigarette-only and was significantly lower during e-cigarette-only use. Urinary cotinine was significantly lower during e-cigarette-only use relative to dual and cigarette-only use, while urinary NNAL did not differ between the nicotine-containing conditions. In summary, among current dual users, e-cigarettes in combination with cigarettes did not reduce CPD relative to exclusive cigarette use or toxicant exposure relative to exclusive use of either product. However, exclusive e-cigarette use did reduce CO and cotinine, highlighting the benefits of cigarette cessation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Supplemental Material for Tobacco-Use Behavior and Toxicant Exposure Among Current Dual Users of Electronic Cigarettes and Tobacco Cigarettes

Supplemental Material for Tobacco-Use Behavior and Toxicant Exposure Among Current Dual Users of Electronic Cigarettes and Tobacco Cigarettes

Heterogeneity in Tobacco-Use Behaviors Among U.S. Blacks per Global Region of Origin.

Heterogeneity in tobacco-use behaviors among U.S. blacks by global region of origin and age at immigration was examined. Self-identified black participants from the 2006-2015 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Surveywere included (n = 47,857). Countries of origin were classified by global regions (U.S., Africa, Europe, West Indies). Multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, were used to examine the association of global region of origin and age at immigration with tobacco-use behaviors. Prevalence of current cigarette smoking among U.S. blacks varied significantly by global region of origin (U.S.-born = 17.4%, Europe-born = 17.7%, Africa-born = 4.7%, West-Indies-born = 4.9%; p < 0.01). Furthermore, foreign-born blacks were less likely than U.S.-born blacks to smoke menthol flavored cigarettes (p < 0.05). Participants who immigrated to the U.S. at ≥ 13years old were less likely than U.S.-born blacks to start regular smoking as minor (p < 0.05). Tobacco-use behaviors differ by global region of origin and age at immigration in the U.S. black population.

Prevalence and factors associated with use of hookah tobacco among young adults in the U.S.

IntroductionAmong young adults, use of hookah tobacco (HT) is an emerging health-risk behavior. The goals were to demonstrate that (1) the prevalence of ever-use and current use of HT increased among U.S. young adults (18–30 years old) in the period from 2010 to 2015 and (2) the patterns of HT use differed across diverse demographic subpopulations of young adults. MethodsWe merged and analyzed data from the 2010–2011 and 2014–2015 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. The sample (n = 55,352) was representative of the young adult population in the U.S. Two binary measures were the ever and current use of HT. The significance level was 5%. ResultsThe rate of current use of HT increased from 1% in 2010–11 to 2% in 2014–15 (CI = 0.6%:1.1%). The rate of ever-use increased from 7% to 12% (CI = 4.2%:5.6%). The over-time increase was not uniform: the increase was most rapid among 26–30 year-old adults, non-Hispanic Black and African American adults, and in Northeastern and Midwestern U.S. regions. HT ever-use, overall, was associated (all p's < 0.001) with many sociodemographic factors and current tobacco-use behaviors. The rate of HT ever-use was 16% for daily and 23% for occasional cigarette smokers, 23% for users of smokeless tobacco products, 37% for cigar smokers, and 55% for smokers of regular pipe (filled with tobacco). Discussion/conclusionHT use is becoming increasingly more popular among young adults in the U.S. Methods should target not only cessation of cigarette smoking but use of all tobacco products.

Effects of drinker self-schema on drinking- and smoking-related information processing and behaviors

ABSTRACTBackground: Co-occurrence of drinking and smoking is prevalent in undergraduate students. A drinker self-schema―cognition about the self as the drinker―is a common identity in undergraduates and a well-known predictor of drinking behaviors. Given that smoking commonly occurs in the context of drinking, a drinker self-schema may be a cognitive mechanism to motivate co-occurring alcohol and tobacco use (i.e., cross-substance facilitation hypothesis). This study was to determine whether the drinker self-schema influences the processing of drinking- and smoking-related information and facilitates the co-occurrence of alcohol and tobacco use in undergraduate students who drink and smoke but do not self-identify as smokers. Methods: This study was the second phase of a 2-phase study. Of the 330 who completed phase 1 (online survey), 99 completed the phase 2 study. Phase 2 was an in-person session that included a computerized information processing task to measure endorsements and response latencies for drinking- and smoking-related attributes, and a computerized Timeline Followback that was used to measure 90-day alcohol- and tobacco-use behaviors. The 5-item drinker self-schema scale, administered in phase 1, was used to measure the strength of the drinker self-schema. Results: A higher drinker self-schema score was associated with more endorsements of positive attributes for drinking and smoking, fewer endorsements of negative attributes for smoking, faster processing of agreements with positive alcohol-use-related attributes, higher levels of drinking and smoking, and more days of co-occurring alcohol and tobacco use. Conclusions: Findings provide preliminary evidence to support the cross-substance facilitation hypothesis that the drinker self-schema facilitates the processing of not only drinking-related but also smoking-related stimuli and behaviors. Undergraduates who have higher drinker self-schema scores may be vulnerable to co-occurring alcohol and tobacco use.

Unpacking smokers' beliefs about addiction and nicotine: A qualitative study.

Evidence suggests that consumers correctly identify nicotine as addictive; however, many may also harbor misconceptions about its harmfulness. The majority of this evidence is based on survey data, however, which may be prone to some limitations. In the current study, we employed qualitative methods to examine, in their own words, smokers' beliefs about nicotine and addiction. Twelve 1-hr focus groups were conducted in 3 cities in the United States (Columbus, OH; New Orleans, LA; and Washington, DC) from October to November, 2014. Adult cigarette smokers (N = 108), defined as those who reported smoking cigarettes on every day or some days, were segmented by age group (18-25 years and ≥26 years) and tobacco-use behavior. Thematic, in-depth analysis of focus-group discussion transcripts was conducted. Participant demographic information was recorded. Results showed that smokers identify nicotine as a cause of addiction to cigarettes; however, they also attribute their addiction to other factors. When asked about nicotine's effects on the body, immediate physiological effects of smoking (e.g., stimulation, relaxation) were top of mind. Opinions varied in terms of whether nicotine itself was harmful or harmless; many were unsure and/or had not considered this question. Discussions revealed heterogeneity in smokers' beliefs as well as recognition of their own uncertainty and lack of knowledge. The current findings provide insight that smokers may not be as misinformed regarding the relative harms of nicotine and tobacco, as has been suggested by quantitative evidence. Implications for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

A Tobacco Cessation Intervention with Rural, Medically Underserved, Blue-collar Employees: A Quasiexperimental Study.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to increase knowledge regarding the dangers associated with tobacco use, and decrease secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco use behaviors with an antitobacco messaging campaign among rural, medically underserved, blue-collar workers.MethodsA quasiexperimental study was conducted with employees at two worksites. One worksite received the intervention, which consisted of nine different antitobacco messages. Baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted at each worksite to assess change in knowledge and behavior; the data were compared across the two worksites.ResultsTwo hundred twenty-two and 243 participants completed baseline and follow-up surveys at the intervention and comparison sites, respectively. A statistically significant difference was seen over time between the worksites on knowledge of the dangers of tobacco (p < 0.0001); the mean knowledge score increased at the intervention site, but remained unchanged at the comparison site. In general, nonsmokers at both worksites appeared to try to decrease exposure to secondhand smoke over the follow-up period. Repeated measures analysis indicated that there were no differences in motivation to quit (p = 0.81), interest in quitting (p = 0.40), thinking about quitting (p = 0.53), or several tobacco-use behaviors over time among smokers at the intervention and comparison worksites. There were slight increases over time in the proportion of smokers who do not allow smoking in their homes/vehicles at the intervention worksite, although not statistically significant.ConclusionParticipants at the intervention worksite increased their knowledge regarding the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. Among current tobacco users, the intervention appeared to increase family rules regarding secondhand smoke exposure in their homes and vehicles.

Sigara Bırakma Kliniği Hastalarının İzlem Sonuçları ve Bu Sonuçları Etkileyen Faktörler

Objective: One third of approximately 1.5 billion smokers live in 10 countries, which involves Turkey. Smoking cessation clinics are increasing day by day. However, long term smoking cessation rates are unsatisfactory. The aim of this research is to calculate success rates for the patients who admitted to smoking cessation outpatient clinic in light of the data that will be obtained from follow-ups, to determine their tobacco-use behaviours, the complicating and facilitating factors that are encountered during smoking cessation process and calculate effectiveness of different therapy modalities for tobacco cessation, thereby to contribute to tobacco control strategies, and to increase the success of tobacco cessation interventions. Material and Methods: 114 patients who admitted to smoking cessation clinic were followed up for 6 months. Patients? status of restarting smoking during follow-up was calculated based on even if smoking just a draw (slip) criterion. Results: The periods without smoking for participants whose spouses do not smoke, who used treatment for 28 days and more and whose type of treatment is varenicline were longer. In multivariate analyses, non-smoker spouse, long treatment period and varenicline use as treatment option were found to be factors positively affecting the success rate. Conclusion: The mean period without smoking for the participants in the first month found to be 12.8 days, have revealed that close follow-up of the patient in this early period is very critical in smoking cessation process. In addition to provision of proper treatment to patients, ensuring that the patient uses this treatment for a sufficient amount of time is also important in tobacco cessation process. Concomitant treatment of tobacco sing partners or encouraging the non-smoker partner to actively participate in treatment process may increase the success rate of tobacco cessation.

The relationship between craving and tobacco use behavior in laboratory studies: a meta-analysis.

Published laboratory studies from the last 50 years that included measures of craving and tobacco-consumption or tobacco-seeking measures were included in a meta-analysis in order to assess the relationship between craving and tobacco use. Seeking measures were further subdivided into those that reflected control by nonautomatic and automatic cognitive processes. Of 2,498 articles identified by the initial literature review, 204 analyses from 50 studies were deemed eligible. Overall, the relationship between craving and outcome behaviors was modest (r = .20, p < .001). Studies that imposed abstinence during data collection showed a stronger relationship between craving and outcome (r = .24, p < .001) than studies that did not (r = .18, p < .001). Further, of those studies that reported dependence, the overall association between craving and outcome was stronger for smokers who were less dependent. Separate meta-analyses revealed that the type of outcome measure moderated the omnibus effect, with the relationship between craving and nonautomatic seeking measures (r = .34, p < .001) being stronger than the relationship between craving and automatic seeking/consumption measures (both rs = 0.15, p < .001). These findings suggest that craving may play a role in, but does not fully account for, tobacco-use behaviors; furthermore, the extent to which craving predicts behavior may be increased when the behavior is under nonautomatic cognitive control.

Gender differences in the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among school-aged adolescents (11-17 years) in Sudan and South Sudan.

IntroductionTobacco use is one of the leading and preventable causes of global morbidities and premature mortalities. The study explores gender differences in the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among school-aged adolescents (11-17years) in Sudan and South Sudan.MethodsThe study utilized the national Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data collected in 2005 for Sudan (4,277 unweighted; 131,631 weighted). Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to examine the associations between the dependent (tobacco use status) and independent variables. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the key factors which influence tobacco consumption among adolescents in the 2 Sudans for ever cigarette users, current cigarette users, and users of noncigarette tobacco products.ResultsThere were significant gender differences in the prevalence of ever cigarette users (21.8%; male=13.1%, female=6.5%, p<0.05) and current cigarette users (6.9%; male=4.9%, female = 1.3%, p<0.05) but not among users of noncigarette tobacco products (14.7%; male=6.8%, female=6.1%). Adolescent tobacco use was significantly associated with availability of monthly income or allowance, exposure to tobacco industry promotions, and tobacco-use behavior of familial relations. Knowledge about the harmful effects of secondhand smoke was related with decreased likelihood of tobacco use.ConclusionSchool programs that focus on health messages alone may not work for the adolescent population. Legislations that ban all types of tobacco advertisements, promotions, and sponsorships among adolescents are needed in the 2 countries.

Telephone Quitline Use and Effectiveness Among Young Adults

Introduction: Although smoking prevalence has declined dramatically among adults in the past 40 years, 19.3% of adults still smoke, including 20.1% of adults aged 18–24 years. Quitlines are effective, population-based interventions that increase successful cessation.Aims: This study aims to describe the characteristics of young adult smokers aged 18–24 years who used telephone cessation counselling for assistance with quitting, to assess self-reported quit rates, and to examine predictors of quitting, compared to older adults.Methods: We examined data from 4,542 young adult smokers aged 18–24 years and 46,094 smokers aged ≥25 years who enrolled in the American Cancer Society's quitline services during 2006–2008.Results: Young adult smokers aged 18–24 years who called quitlines differed slightly from older adults in demographics and tobacco-use behaviours. There were no age-related differences in self-reported seven-day quit rates or 30-day quit rates at the seven-month follow-up. Predictors of quitting were mostly similar for the young adults and the older adults, although the odds of quitting were lower among young adults for living with vs. not living with a smoker.Conclusions: Although young adult smokers under-utilise telephone cessation quitlines for assistance with quitting, those who do use these services have quit rates similar to older adults.

Tobacco Use Among School-Going Adolescents (11-17 Years) in Ghana

To assess tobacco use among school-going adolescents and delineate determinants of their tobacco-use status. The study utilizes Global Youth Tobacco Survey data collected in 2006 (9,990 unweighted; 773,982 weighted). Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to determine the relationship between the dependent (tobacco-use status) and independent variables. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the key determinants of tobacco use among adolescents in Ghana. The gap in tobacco use between males and females was narrow (6.7% vs. 4.4% for ever cigarette smoker; 2.4% vs. 1.4% for current cigarette smoker; 6.8% vs. 5.2% for user of noncigarette tobacco products). Youth tobacco use was significantly associated with exposure to tobacco industry promotions and tobacco-use behavior of familial relations. Conversely, knowledge about the harmful effects of secondhand smoke was associated with decreased likelihood of tobacco use; however, it was significant only for users of noncigarette tobacco products. The narrow gap in tobacco use among school-going adolescents in a country where tobacco-use prevalence among adult males is more than 10 times that of females is a major policy concern. Additionally, the finding that about 15% of students have either acquired tobacco-branded merchandise or been offered a free cigarette suggest that tobacco marketing is reaching adolescents in the country, which demands urgent policy response. Dealing with such problems requires a comprehensive ban on tobacco industry advertising and promotion and marketing strategies, and policies that restrict youth access to and demand for tobacco products.

The application of observational data in translational medicine: analyzing tobacco-use behaviors of adolescents

BackgroundTranslational Medicine focuses on “bench to bedside”, converting experimental results into clinical use. The “bedside to bench” transition remains challenging, requiring clinicians to define true clinical need for laboratory study. In this study, we show how observational data (an eleven-year data survey program on adolescent smoking behaviours), can identify knowledge gaps and research questions leading directly to clinical implementation and improved health care. We studied gender-specific trends (2000–2010) in Italian students to evaluate the specific impact of various anti-smoking programs, including evaluation of perceptions of access to cigarettes and health risk.MethodsThe study used, ESPAD-Italia® (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs), is a nationally representative sample of high-school students. The permutation test for joinpoint regression was used to calculate the annual percent change in smoking. Changes in smoking habits by age, perceived availability and risk over a 11-year period were tested using a gender-specific logistic model and a multinomial model.ResultsGender-stratified analysis showed 1) decrease of lifetime prevalence, then stabilization (both genders); 2) decrease in last month and occasional use (both genders); 3) reduction of moderate use (females); 4) no significant change in moderate use (males) and in heavy use (both genders). Perceived availability positively associates with prevalence, while perceived risk negatively associates, but interact with different effects depending on smoking patterns. In addition, government implementation of public policies concerning access to tobacco products in this age group during this period presented a unique background to examine their specific impact on behaviours.ConclusionLarge observational databases are a rich resource in support of translational research. From these observations, key clinically relevant issues can be identified and form the basis for further clinical studies. The ability to identify patterns of behaviour and gaps in available data translates into new experiments, but also impacts development of public policy and reveals patterns of clinical reality. The observed global decrease in use is countered by stabilization in number of heavy smokers. Increased cigarette cost has not reduced use. While perceived risk of smoking may prevent initial experimentation, how government policies impact the perception of risk is not easily quantifiable.

Risk perceptions of menthol cigarettes compared with nonmenthol cigarettes among New Jersey adults

Menthol cigarettes were historically marketed as "healthier" cigarettes, and menthol possesses cooling qualities that may reduce the perceived harshness of cigarette smoke. As such, it is possible that smokers may perceive menthol cigarettes to be safer when, in fact, some research suggests that menthols may be more addictive than regular cigarettes. Research shows that smokers have a faulty understanding of the risks of cigarettes in general, but little is known about smokers' risk perceptions for these particular products. We examined data from the 2005 New Jersey Adult Tobacco Survey, a statewide random-digit-dial telephone survey monitoring tobacco-use behavior, knowledge, and attitudes and which asked participants to compare how risky (somewhat less risky, about the same, or somewhat more risky) menthol cigarettes were with nonmenthol cigarettes. Few menthol smokers (2.4%) and survey respondents overall (4.0%) believed menthol cigarettes to be less risky than nonmenthol cigarettes. In contrast, 30.2% of menthol smokers and 25.9% of all respondents (including nonsmokers) believed menthols to be more risky than nonmenthol cigarettes. Compared with never-smokers, nonmenthol smokers were most likely to believe this (AOR = 4.51), followed by former smokers (AOR = 1.77) and current menthol smokers (AOR = 1.58). Among current smokers, Blacks (AOR = 2.17) were more likely than Whites to indicate menthols as being more risky and young adults (18- to 24-year-olds) were the age group most likely to hold this belief (AOR = 3.30). Future research should explore whether these perceptions exist in broader population groups as well as their development and association with smoking-related behaviors.

Work Experiences and Tobacco Use: Findings From the Gear Up for Health Study

To examine the relationships between the work environment and amount smoked, intention to quit, and participation in a health promotion intervention. Cross-sectional data were collected from unionized truck drivers and dockworkers (N = 542; response rate = 78%) employed in eight trucking terminals as part of a larger intervention study targeting tobacco use cessation and weight management. Prevalence of tobacco use was 40% (n = 216). Multivariable analyses of amount smoked and coworker norms encouraging cessation found significant associations with intention to quit and negative social consequences of tobacco use. Program participation was significantly associated with concern about job exposures, working the day shift, and intention to quit. Work experiences represented in the social contextual model may help explain how the work environment affects tobacco-use behaviors and interest in quitting, and maybe guide interventions among blue-collar workers.