Tobacco Use Supplement To The Current Population Survey Research Articles

Patterns of Emerging Tobacco Product Use Among U.S. Adults, 2019-2022.

Quantifying the use of emerging tobacco products such as nicotine pouches (NPs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) is crucial for informing public health interventions and measuring their potential effects on tobacco use morbidity, mortality and benefits from complete tobacco cessation. Using data from the May 2019 and September 2022 cycles of the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS), we calculated U.S. population-wide estimates of ever and/or current use of NPs and HTPs by key socio-demographic characteristics, cigarette smoking status and preference of characterizing flavors in NPs. We present weighted frequencies, proportions and associated 95% confidence intervals. Analyses were conducted in 2024. In both survey cycles, a substantial fraction of adults who ever used HTPs had never smoked cigarettes (52.0% in 2019; 27.4% in 2022). Among those who currently used HTPs or NPs (2022 only), many reported having never smoked cigarettes (42.5% and 41.4%, respectively), while many also reported currently smoking (32.2% and 24.8%, respectively). We observed similar sociodemographic characteristics across use of both HTPs and NPs. Mint was the most common flavor choice among adults who currently used NPs (52.8%). Continued surveillance of emerging tobacco products such as HTPs and NPs can inform public health approaches and support future research to better quantify the health consequences from these products.

Prevalence of menthol cigarette use among adults who smoke from the United States by census division and demographic subgroup, 2002–2020: findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) project

BackgroundTargeted marketing of menthol cigarettes in the US influences disparities in the prevalence of menthol smoking. There has been no analysis of sub-national data documenting differences in use across demographic subgroups. This study estimated trends in the prevalence of menthol use among adults who smoke in the nine US census divisions by sex, age, and race/ethnicity from 2002 to 2020.MethodsData from 12 waves of the US ITC Survey were used to estimate the prevalence of menthol cigarette use across census divisions and demographic subgroups using multilevel regression and post-stratification (n = 12,020). Multilevel logistic regression was used to predict the prevalence of menthol cigarette use in 72 cross-classified groups of adults who smoke defined by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; division-level effects were fit with a random intercept. Predicted prevalence was weighted by the total number of adults who smoke in each cross-classified group and aggregated to divisions within demographic subgroup. Estimates were validated against the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS).ResultsOverall modeled prevalence of menthol cigarette use was similar to TUS-CPS estimates. Prevalence among adults who smoke increased in each division from 2002 to 2020. By 2020, prevalence was highest in the Middle (46.3%) and South Atlantic (42.7%) and lowest in the Pacific (25.9%) and Mountain (24.2%) divisions. Prevalence was higher among adults aged 18–29 (vs. 50+) and females (vs. males). Prevalence among non-Hispanic Black people exceeded 80% in the Middle Atlantic, East North Central, West North Central, and South Atlantic in all years and varied most among Hispanic people in 2020 (Pacific: 26.5%, New England: 55.1%).ConclusionsSignificant geographic variation in the prevalence of menthol cigarette use among adults who smoke suggests the proposed US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) menthol cigarette ban will exert differential public health benefits and challenges across geographic and demographic subgroups.

Cigar Cessation Prevalence and Trends by Demographic Characteristics Among US Adults, TUS-CPS, 2010-2019.

Disproportionate rates of cigar smoking across demographic groups can contribute to tobacco-related health disparities in the United States. We assessed overall and demographic-specific cigar cessation rates from 2010 to 2019. To characterize cessation prevalence among selected demographic groups over time, we analyzed data from the 2010-2011, 2014-2015, and 2018-2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). Individuals who reported either (1) current cigar smoking for at least 2 years or (2) quitting cigar smoking within the past 12 months were included in the study (n = 5262 in 2010-2011; n = 4741 in 2014-2015; n = 3741 in 2018-2019). Among this group, individuals who reported not smoking a cigar within the past 6 months were considered cigar quitters. Chi-square tests were used to test differences in cessation prevalence between the two survey waves within demographic groups as well as between different groups within survey waves. The prevalence of cigar cessation decreased from 2010-2011 to 2018-2019 for non-Hispanic (NH) White individuals, Hispanic individuals, and both males and females. (p < .05 for all groups). NH White individuals had significantly higher cessation prevalence than individuals who identified as NH Black (33.8% vs. 25.0%, respectively, in 2010-2011; 33.4% vs. 20.4% in 2014-2015; 31.1% vs. 22.3% in 2018-2019; p < .05 for all differences). Overall cigar cessation prevalence significantly decreased from 2010-2011 to 2018-2019. Findings from the study could provide an opportunity to implement strategies that promote cessation strategies targeting certain subpopulations. Cigar cessation patterns are starkly different across different demographic groups, which leads to a disproportionate burden of health-related effects of continued use of these products. These results can inform policy actions around cigar cessation efforts. Future research to close this disparity should be focused on populations that have lower cessation prevalence.

Smoking cessation prevalence by menthol cigarette use and select demographics among adults in the United States, TUS-CPS, 2003–2019

People who smoke menthol cigarettes, particularly those who are non-Hispanic Black/African American, are less likely to achieve successful smoking cessation compared with people who smoke non-menthol cigarettes. This study examined the 2003–2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) harmonized data to estimate cross-sectional trends in cigarette smoking cessation among U.S. adults, stratified by menthol cigarette use, race/ethnicity, sex, and age. The analytic sample included respondents who smoked for ≥ 2 years (current users and former users who reported quitting during the past year). We tested cessation trends using orthogonal polynomial contrasts for overall, menthol, and non-menthol smoking cessation prevalence and stratified by race/ethnicity, sex, and age in logistic regression models. We also analyzed the 2018–2019 non-harmonized TUS-CPS data among recent quitters to examine differences in characteristics (e.g., demographic characteristics, smoking frequency, use of smoking cessation aids, switching to other tobacco products) by menthol cigarette use. We observed significant linear changes in prevalence trends for overall cigarette smoking cessation, menthol smoking cessation, and non-menthol smoking cessation (p < 0.0001 for all linear trends), and changes in menthol cessation among non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Other race/ethnicity categories during 2003–2019. In the 2018–2019 wave, we observed differences in menthol status for sex, race/ethnicity, age, and educational attainment. We did not observe differences for other characteristics. We observed changes in overall cigarette smoking cessation, menthol, and non-menthol smoking cessation prevalence during the study period; however, gains in cigarette smoking cessation were not experienced among non-Hispanic Black/African American adults who smoke.

Disparities in Cigarette, E-cigarette, Cigar, and Smokeless Tobacco Use at the Intersection of Multiple Social Identities in the US Adult Population. Results From the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey 2018-2019 Survey.

Sociodemographic disparities in tobacco use are prevalent and persistent in the United States. Nevertheless, few studies have examined disparities in tobacco use from an intersectionality perspective. We developed a visualization tool to identify disparities in cigarette, e-cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco use at the intersection of multiple social identities. We used the 2018-2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) to estimate the prevalence of tobacco product use at the intersection of age (18-34, 35-54, ≥55 years), sex (male, female), race/ethnicity (Non-Hispanic [NH] White, NH Black, Hispanic, NH Other), and annual household income (<$50 000, $50 000-$99 999, and ≥$100 000). Estimates accounted for the complex survey design. For cigarettes, the most defining characteristic was income, with the highest prevalence among low-income NH White male adults aged 35-54 years (30.7%) and low-income NH White female adults aged 35-54 years (29.7%). For e-cigarettes, the most defining characteristic was age, with adults 18-34 years old having the highest prevalence. High prevalence groups for cigars included young- and middle-aged NH Black and NH White males, while NH White males had the highest prevalence of smokeless tobacco use. Our intersectionality visualization tool is helpful to uncover complex patterns of tobacco use, facilitating the identification of high-risk groups. We created a visualization tool to identify disparities in cigarette, e-cigarette, cigar, and smokeless tobacco use at the intersection of age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Our visualization tool helps uncover complex patterns of tobacco use, facilitating the identification of high-risk population groups that would otherwise be masked. These results can be used to implement tobacco control policies targeted at factors that promote or sustain tobacco use disparities.

Flavoring Patterns of Exclusive and Dual-Use of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes Among US Adults: Results from the TUS-CPS 2018-2019.

To describe patterns of menthol/non-menthol cigarettes with flavored e-cigarettes (tobacco, menthol, sweet/spicy, and other flavorings) use. We used cross-sectional data from the 2018-2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). United States. Adults over 18years old. A nationally representative sample (n = 135329). We generated a 15-category variable of all combinations of cigarette and e-cigarette flavoring use. We estimated population prevalence (PP) for the 15-category flavored cigarette and e-cigarette use variable and proportion of flavored cigarette and e-cigarette use among adults who used cigarettes or e-cigarettes (PAU) by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Exclusive menthol cigarette use was higher among NH Black (PP = 8.79%, PAU = 68.96%) and low-income (PP = 4.86%, PAU = 29.09%) compared to NH White (PP = 2.63%, PAU = 18.83%) and high-income participants (PP = 1.25%, PAU = 19.02%). Exclusive sweet/spicy e-cigarette use (PP = 1.32%, PAU = 10.22%) and exclusive menthol e-cigarette use (PP = .95%, PAU = 7.40%) was higher in younger (18-34) vs older (35+) adults (PP = .34% and PAU = 2.76%, and PP = .14%, PAU = 1.11%, respectively). Older dual users tended to combine the same flavor in both products (eg, menthol cigarettes + menthol e-cigarettes), while younger adults were more likely to combine menthol and non-menthol cigarettes with sweet/spicy e-cigarettes. Findings suggest that a menthol cigarette ban might be most effective in conjunction with sweet/spicy e-cigarette flavor restrictions, given these flavors are attractive for younger adults.

Racial Disparities in Cigarette Smoking Behaviors and Differences Stratified by Metropolitan Area of Residence.

Background: Black cigarette smokers experience a disproportionate burden of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to other racial and ethnic groups, despite starting to smoke later in life, smoking less frequently, and smoking fewer cigarettes per day compared with White smokers. Research has shown that these disparities in NSCLC are wider in rural areas. Objective: To examine differences in smoking behaviors between Black and White individuals living in non-metropolitan areas and metropolitan areas. Methods: Using harmonized data from the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) years 2010–2011, 2014–2015, and 2018–2019, we compared smoking behaviors between Black and White current and former smokers by metropolitan status (i.e., whether an individual lives in a densely populated area or not) and by both metropolitan status and sex. Results: Smoking prevalence was higher among White participants living in non-metropolitan versus Black participants. Further, in non-metropolitan areas, Black individuals reported smoking fewer cigarettes per day, fewer years of smoking, and a later age of initiation compared to White individuals. Additionally, Black individuals, especially men, were more likely than White individuals to be current non-daily smokers. Conclusions: Our findings show that Black individuals living in non-metropolitan areas do not, in aggregate, have more cigarette smoking exposure relative to White individuals. Additional research is needed to further understand smoking-related exposures and other factors that may contribute to lung cancer disparities, especially in non-metropolitan areas.

Trends in Exclusive, Dual and Polytobacco Use among U.S. Adults, 2014-2019: Results from Two Nationally Representative Surveys.

Although increases in the variety of tobacco products available to consumers have led to investigations of dual/polytobacco use patterns, few studies have documented trends in these patterns over time. We used data from the 2014/2015 and 2018/2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) and the 2015–2019 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to estimate trends in the following use patterns: exclusive use of cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), other combustibles (cigars/cigarillos/little filtered cigars and traditional pipes/hookah), and smokeless tobacco (four categories); dual use (two product groups) of each product group with cigarettes (three categories); polyuse with cigarettes (all four product groups; one category); and dual/polyuse without cigarettes (one category). We estimated trends in product use patterns overall and by age, sex, and race/ethnicity using two-sample tests for differences in linear proportions. From 2014/2015 to 2018/2019, exclusive ENDS use increased, whereas cigarettes and ENDS dual use decreased. Furthermore, polyuse with cigarettes decreased, whereas dual/polyuse without cigarettes increased, with trends varying by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Our findings suggest that patterns of dual/polyuse with and without cigarettes have changed in recent years, indicating the need for further surveillance of concurrent tobacco product use patterns.

Trends of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco use among US firefighters and law enforcement personnel, 1992-2019.

Previous studies indicate tobacco use was more prevalent among firefighters and law enforcement personnel than in the US adult population. Trends of smoking and smokeless tobacco (SLT) use among these first responders are unknown. We examined trends in current smoking and SLT use among US firefighters and law enforcement personnel and compared smoking and SLT use prevalence in firefighters and law enforcement personnel to US adults in non-first-responder occupations. Trends of smoking and SLT use prevalence among firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and adults in other occupations were assessed by fitting joinpoint regression models using the 1992-2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). We used multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for demographics to examine associations between occupation and smoking and SLT use status using the 2018-2019 TUS-CPS data. Analyses were conducted in 2021. From 1992 to 2019, the smoking prevalence declined overall (all p's < 0.01). Though SLT use prevalence among adults in non-first-responder occupations declined (annual percentage change [APC] = -1.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.7% to -0.7%), no changes were shown among firefighters and law enforcement personnel which suggests SLT use may be increasing among firefighters over time. In 2018-2019, firefighters (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.7 to 6.8) and law enforcement personnel (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI = 2.1 to 4.7) were more likely than adults in non-first-responder occupations to use SLT. While smoking prevalence declined overall, SLT use is higher among firefighters and law enforcement personnel and may be increasing over time among firefighters. Research should examine reasons for SLT use by first responders. Comprehensive tobacco policies and SLT-specific cessation programs are needed for first responders.

Exclusive and dual menthol/non-menthol cigarette use with ENDS among adults, 2013–2019

This study examines patterns of use for menthol/non-menthol cigarettes and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) from 2013 to 2019 among U.S. adults. We calculated the weighted population prevalence of current exclusive and dual use for each product (i.e., menthol/non-menthol cigarettes and ENDS) stratified by age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income, and education in all surveys using data from three nationally representative surveys: the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Waves 1–4 (W1-W4), 2013–2018; the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2015; and the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) 2014–2015 (T1) and 2018–2019 (T2). Exclusive non-menthol cigarette use (PATH: 9.0%W1, 9.4%W4; NHIS: 8.7%; TUS-CPS: 8.1%T1, 6.9%T2) and dual non-menthol cigarette/ENDS use (PATH: 2.4%W1, 1.5%W4; NHIS: 1.5%; TUS-CPS: 1.1%T1, 0.6%T2) were the most common single and dual tobacco use patterns, respectively, across all surveys. Both exclusive menthol cigarette use (3.9%T1-3.3%T2) and non-menthol cigarette use (8.1%T1-6.9%T2) declined in TUS-CPS from 2014/5–2018/9. Dual menthol cigarette/ENDS use also declined (PATH: 1.5%W1-1.1%W4; TUS-CPS: 0.5%T1-0.3%T2), as did dual non-menthol cigarette/ENDS use (PATH: 2.4%W1-1.5%W4; TUS-CPS 1.1%T1-0.6%T2). Across surveys, exclusive menthol cigarette use and dual menthol cigarette/ENDS use were more common among individuals aged 25–34 years old; non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs); and low-income earners. Single and dual use patterns of menthol/non-menthol cigarettes and ENDS have declined over time. Nevertheless, certain vulnerable population groups, including NHBs and low-income earners, disproportionately use exclusive menthol cigarettes and dual menthol cigarette/ENDS, making menthol bans a potential policy target for reducing tobacco-related health disparities.

Tobacco control policies and smoking cessation treatment utilization: A moderated mediation analysis.

BackgroundTobacco policies, including clean indoor air laws and cigarette taxes, increase smoking cessation in part by stimulating the use of cessation treatments. We explored whether the associations between tobacco policies and treatment use varies across sociodemographic groups.MethodsWe used data from 62,165 U.S. adult participants in the 2003 and 2010/11 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) who reported smoking cigarettes during the past-year. We built on prior structural equation models used to quantify the degree to which smoking cessation treatment use (prescription medications, nicotine replacement therapy, counseling/support groups, quitlines, and internet resources) mediated the association between clean indoor air laws, cigarette excise taxes, and recent smoking cessation. In the current study, we added selected moderators to each model to investigate whether associations between tobacco polices and smoking cessation treatment use varied by sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, and health insurance status.ResultsAssociations between clean indoor air laws and the use of prescription medication and nicotine replacement therapies varied significantly between racial/ethnic, age, and education groups in 2003. However, none of these moderation effects remained significant in 2010/11. Higher cigarette excise taxes in 2010/2011 were associated with higher odds of using counseling among older adults and higher odds of using prescription medications among younger adults. No other moderator reached statistical significance. Smoking cessation treatments did not mediate the effect of taxes on smoking cessation in 2003 and were not included in these analyses.ConclusionsSociodemographic differences in associations between clean indoor air laws and smoking cessation treatment use have decreased from 2003 to 2010/11. In most cases, policies appear to stimulate smoking cessation treatment use similarly across varied sociodemographic groups.

College affirmative action bans and smoking and alcohol use among underrepresented minority adolescents in the United States: A difference-in-differences study.

BackgroundCollege affirmative action programs seek to expand socioeconomic opportunities for underrepresented minorities. Between 1996 and 2013, 9 US states—including California, Texas, and Michigan—banned race-based affirmative action in college admissions. Because economic opportunity is known to motivate health behavior, banning affirmative action policies may have important adverse spillover effects on health risk behaviors. We used a quasi-experimental research design to evaluate the association between college affirmative action bans and health risk behaviors among underrepresented minority (Black, Hispanic, and Native American) adolescents.Methods and findingsWe conducted a difference-in-differences analysis using data from the 1991–2015 US national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). We compared changes in self-reported cigarette smoking and alcohol use in the 30 days prior to survey among underrepresented minority 11th and 12th graders in states implementing college affirmative action bans (Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington) versus outcomes among those residing in states not implementing bans (n = 35 control states). We also assessed whether underrepresented minority adults surveyed in the 1992–2015 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) who were exposed to affirmative action bans during their late high school years continued to smoke cigarettes between the ages of 19 and 30 years. Models adjusted for individual demographic characteristics, state and year fixed effects, and state-specific secular trends. In the YRBS (n = 34,988 to 36,268, depending on the outcome), cigarette smoking in the past 30 days among underrepresented minority 11th–12th graders increased by 3.8 percentage points after exposure to an affirmative action ban (95% CI: 2.0, 5.7; p < 0.001). In addition, there were also apparent increases in past-30-day alcohol use, by 5.9 percentage points (95% CI: 0.3, 12.2; p = 0.041), and past-30-day binge drinking, by 3.5 percentage points (95% CI: −0.1, 7.2, p = 0.058), among underrepresented minority 11th–12th graders, though in both cases adjustment for multiple comparisons resulted in failure to reject the null hypothesis (adjusted p = 0.083 for both outcomes). Underrepresented minority adults in the TUS-CPS (n = 71,575) exposed to bans during their late high school years were also 1.8 percentage points more likely to report current smoking (95% CI: 0.1, 3.6; p = 0.037). Event study analyses revealed a discrete break for all health behaviors timed with policy discussion and implementation. No substantive or statistically significant effects were found for non-Hispanic White adolescents, and the findings were robust to a number of additional specification checks. The limitations of the study include the continued potential for residual confounding from unmeasured time-varying factors and the potential for recall bias due to the self-reported nature of the health risk behavior outcomes.ConclusionsIn this study, we found evidence that some health risk behaviors increased among underrepresented minority adolescents after exposure to state-level college affirmative action bans. These findings suggest that social policies that shift socioeconomic opportunities could have meaningful population health consequences.

E-cigarette Usage Is Associated With Increased Past-12-Month Quit Attempts and Successful Smoking Cessation in Two US Population-Based Surveys.

We examined past-12-month quit attempts and smoking cessation from 2006 to 2016 while accounting for demographic shifts in the US population. In addition, we sought to understand whether the current use of electronic cigarettes was associated with a change in past-12-month quit attempts and successful smoking cessation at the population level. We analyzed data from 25- to 44-year-olds from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2006 to 2016 (N = 26,354) and the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) in 2006-2007, 2010-2011, and 2014-2015 (N = 33,627). Data on e-cigarette use were available in the 2014-2016 NHIS and 2014-2015 TUS-CPS surveys. Past-12-month quit attempts and smoking cessation increased in recent years compared with 2006. Current e-cigarette use was associated with higher quit attempts (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.87 to 2.81, p < .001) and greater smoking cessation (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.21 to 2.21, p = .001) in the NHIS. Multivariable logistic regression of the TUS-CPS data showed that current e-cigarette use was similarly significantly associated with increased past-12-month quit attempts and smoking cessation. Significant interactions were found for smoking frequency (everyday and some-day smoking) and current e-cigarette use for both outcomes (p < .0001) with the strongest positive effects seen in everyday smokers. Compared with 2006, past-12-month quit attempts and smoking cessation increased among adults aged 25-44 in recent years. Current e-cigarette use was associated with increased past-12-month quit attempts and successful smoking cessation among established smokers. These findings are relevant to future tobacco policy decisions. E-cigarettes were introduced into the US market over the past decade. During this period, past-12-month quit attempts and smoking cessation have increased among US adults aged 25-44. These trends are inconsistent with the hypothesis that e-cigarette use is delaying quit attempts and leading to decreased smoking cessation. In contrast, current e-cigarette use was associated with significantly higher past-12-month quit attempts and past-12-month cessation. These findings suggest that e-cigarette use contributes to a reduction in combustible cigarette use among established smokers.

State-Specific Prevalence of Tobacco Product Use Among Adults - United States, 2014-2015.

Despite recent declines in cigarette smoking prevalence, the tobacco product landscape has shifted to include emerging tobacco products* (1,2). Previous research has documented adult use of smokeless tobacco and cigarettes by state (3); however, state-specific data on other tobacco products are limited. To assess tobacco product use in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia (DC), CDC and the National Cancer Institute analyzed self-reported use of six tobacco product types: cigarettes, cigars, regular pipes, water pipes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and smokeless tobacco products among adults aged ≥18 years using data from the 2014-2015 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). Prevalence of ever-use of any tobacco product ranged from 27.0% (Utah) to 55.4% (Wyoming). Current (every day or some days) use of any tobacco product ranged from 10.2% (California) to 27.7% (Wyoming). Cigarettes were the most common currently used tobacco product in all states and DC. Among current cigarette smokers, the proportion who currently used one or more other tobacco products ranged from 11.5% (Delaware) to 32.3% (Oregon). Differences in tobacco product use across states underscore the importance of implementing proven population-level strategies to reduce tobacco use and expanding these strategies to cover all forms of tobacco marketed in the United States. Such strategies could include comprehensive smoke-free policies, tobacco product price increases, anti-tobacco mass media campaigns, and barrier-free access to clinical smoking cessation resources (1,4).

Effectiveness of Pharmaceutical Smoking Cessation Aids in a Nationally Representative Cohort of American Smokers.

BackgroundDespite strong efficacy in randomized trials, the population effectiveness of pharmaceutical aids in long-term smoking cessation is lacking, possibly because of confounding (factors that are associated with both pharmaceutical aid use and difficulty quitting). Matching techniques in longitudinal studies can remove this confounding bias.MethodsUsing the nationally representative Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS), we assessed the effectiveness of medications to aid quitting among baseline adult smokers who attempted to quit prior to one year of follow-up in two longitudinal studies: 2002–2003 and 2010–2011. Pharmaceutical aid users and nonusers with complete data (n = 2129) were matched using propensity score models with 12 potential confounders (age, sex, race-ethnicity, education, smoking intensity, nicotine dependence, previous quit history, self-efficacy to quit, smoke-free homes, survey year, and cessation aid use). Using matched data sets, logistic regression models were fit to assess whether use of any individual pharmaceutical aid increased the proportion of patients who were abstinent for 30 days or more at follow-up.ResultsPropensity score matching markedly improved balance on the potential confounders between the pharmaceutical aid use groups. Using matched samples to provide a balanced comparison, there was no evidence that use of varenicline (adjusted risk difference [aRD] = 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = –0.07 to 0.11), bupropion (aRD = 0.02, 95% CI = –0.04 to 0.09), or nicotine replacement (aRD = 0.01, 95% CI = –0.03 to 0.06) increased the probability of 30 days or more smoking abstinence at one-year follow-up.ConclusionsThe lack of effectiveness of pharmaceutical aids in increasing long-term cessation in population samples is not an artifact caused by confounded analyses. A possible explanation is that counseling and support interventions provided in efficacy trials are rarely delivered in the general population.

Rotation Group Bias In Current Smoking Prevalence Estimates Using TUS-CPS

This paper examined whether the sample rotation scheme of the Current Population Survey (CPS) results in an underestimation of current smoking prevalence in the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). The TUS-CPS has been administered as part of the CPS, which has eight rotation groups of households in each month that are repeatedly interviewed based on a sample rotation scheme. Previous research has found that even though all eight rotation groups in the CPS are independent random samples of the population, some estimates, such as unemployment rates, tend to be significantly higher in the first rotation group than among other rotation groups. The probit regression results of this paper showed that although current smokers are more likely to attrite than nonsmokers in all years of the TUS-CPS, for the six waves of TUS-CPS before 2003 there is no evidence that current smoking prevalence estimates were significantly affected by the rotation scheme of the CPS. For the three waves of TUS-CPS since 2003, however, the results showed that current smoking prevalence has been underestimated likely due to panel attrition. It appears that rotation group bias in these waves was caused by the substantially increased number of additional questions smokers had to answer.

Rotation Group Bias in Current Smoking Prevalence Estimates Using TUS-CPS

This paper examined whether the sample rotation scheme of the Current Population Survey (CPS) results in an underestimation of current smoking prevalence in the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). The TUS-CPS has been administered as part of the CPS, which has eight rotation groups of households in each month that are repeatedly interviewed based on a sample rotation scheme. Previous research has found that even though all eight rotation groups in the CPS are independent random samples of the population, some estimates, such as unemployment rates, tend to be significantly higher in the first rotation group than among other rotation groups. The probit regression results of this paper showed that although current smokers are more likely to attrite than nonsmokers in all years of the TUS-CPS, for the six waves of TUS-CPS before 2003 there is no evidence that current smoking prevalence estimates were significantly affected by the rotation scheme of the CPS. For the three waves of TUS-CPS since 2003, however, the results showed that current smoking prevalence has been underestimated likely due to differential panel attrition. It appears that rotation group bias in these waves was caused by the substantially increased number of additional questions current smokers had to answer.

State Tobacco Policies as Predictors of Evidence-Based Cessation Method Usage: Results From a Large, Nationally Representative Dataset.

Evidence-based cessation methods including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), non-NRT medications, quitlines, and behavioral treatments are underutilized by smokers attempting to quit. Although a number of studies have demonstrated a relationship between state-level tobacco policies (eg, taxation, appropriations) and cessation, whether such state-level factors influence likelihood of using an evidence-based treatment is unclear. Accordingly, the aims of the present study were: (1) to describe evidence-based cessation method utilization by state and (2) to examine the effect of state-level factors on cessation method utilization above and beyond individual-level predictors. Data were utilized from the 2010-2011 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS). Participants included 9232 smokers who reported a past-year quit attempt. Data on 11 state-level predictors were collated from national datasets. Analyses were based on: (1) descriptive characterization of quit method usage, (2) logistic regression models to determine state-level factors as predictors of quit method utilization, controlling for individual-level predictors, (3) cluster analyses grouping states with similar state-level factors, and (4) examination of cluster as a predictor of cessation method. Tobacco control appropriations significantly predicted NRT, quitline, and behavioral treatment utilization. Additional state-level factors that demonstrated significant relationships included Medicaid coverage of non-NRT medications and behavioral treatment, tobacco tax rate, smoking prevalence, and percentage of population uninsured. State clustering significantly predicted quit method across all four methods. State-level factors influence the likelihood of residents utilizing evidence-based quit methods. Results are discussed in terms of implications for tobacco policy at the state level. Results from the present study highlight state tobacco control appropriations as a robust predictor of evidence-based cessation method utilization. Other significant state-level predictors of evidence-based cessation method utilization included Medicaid coverage of non-NRT medications and behavioral treatment, tobacco tax rate, smoking prevalence, and percentage of population uninsured. Moreover, state-level predictors clustered together to significantly predict evidence-based cessation method utilization. Thus, increasing tobacco control appropriations, extending health insurance coverage, maximizing revenue from tobacco taxation and tobacco settlements, and ultimately decreasing smoking prevalence are important targets for individual states to promote utilization of evidence-based cessation methods.

Gender differences in the real-world effectiveness of smoking cessation medications: Findings from the 2010–2011 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey

BackgroundMeta-analyses of clinical trial data have identified clinically relevant gender differences in the efficacy of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy. It is unclear whether these findings are generalizable to smokers quitting in real-world contexts. MethodsUsing Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) 2010–2011 cross-sectional data, we generated propensity score matched samples of smokers who quit either unassisted by medication, using only varenicline, or using only transdermal nicotine patch (TNP). We used generalized estimating equations to estimate gender differences in the comparative effectiveness of these cessation options for achieving 30-days of abstinence, adjusting for potential confounders. ResultsWhen stratified by gender, TNP was significantly more effective than unassisted quit attempts for men (OR=1.37; 95%CI=1.02,1.83; p=0.03), but not for women (OR=0.96; 95%CI=0.71,1.31; p=0.82). Varenicline was significantly more effective than unassisted quit attempts for women (OR=1.63; 95%CI=1.16, 2.31; p=0.005), but not men (OR=1.35; 95%CI=0.94,1.96; p=0.11). Varenicline was also more effective than TNP for women (OR=1.51; 95%CI=0.12,2.05; p=0.007) but not men (OR=0.92; 95%CI=0.65,1.31; p=0.64). A significant gender by medication interaction was found only for the comparison of varenicline to TNP (OR=1.64; 95%CI=1.04,2.61; p=0.04). ConclusionsFindings for varenicline vs. TNP were consistent with clinical trial data, showing greater differences in effectiveness for women compared to men. Results lend support to the generalizability of clinical trial findings, highlighting the importance of considering gender when offering treatment for smoking cessation.

Changes in cigarette smoking initiation, cessation, and relapse among U.S. adults: a comparison of two longitudinal samples

BackgroundThe tobacco epidemic in the U.S. has matured in the past decade. However, due to rapidly changing social policy and commercial environments, tailored prevention and interventions are needed to support further reduction in smoking.MethodsUsing Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) 2002–2003 and 2010–2011 longitudinal cohorts, five smoking states are defined including daily-heavy, daily-light, non-daily, former and non-smoker. We quantified the changes between smoking states for the two longitudinal cohorts, and used a series of multivariable logistic regression models to examine the association of socio-demographic attributes and initial smoking states on smoking initiation, cessation, and relapse between waves within each cohort.ResultsThe prevalence of adult heavy smoking decreased from 9.9% (95% CI: 9.6%, 10.2%) in 2002 to 7.1% (95% CI: 6.9%, 7.4%) in 2010. Non-daily smokers were less likely to quit in the 2010–2011 cohort than the 2002–2003 cohort (37.0% vs. 44.9%). Gender, age group, smoker type, race and marital status exhibit similar patterns in terms of their association to the odds of initiation, cessation and relapse between the two cohorts, while education groups showed some inconsistent results between the two cohorts regarding the odds of cessation.ConclusionsTransitions between smoking states are complex and increasingly unstable, requiring a holistic, population-based perspective to understand the stocks and flows that ultimately dictate the public health impact of cigarette smoking behavior. This knowledge helps to identify groups in need of increased tobacco control prevention and intervention efforts.