Flavored Cigar Smoking Among African American Young Adult Dual Users: An Ecological Momentary Assessment

Authors

• JC Chen
• K Choi
• TR Kirchner
• R Feldman
• J Butler
• EL Mead

Abstract

Background Cigar smoking is prevalent among African American young adults. Previous studies showed that the presence of various flavors is one of the reasons for young adult cigar smoking. However, little is known about factors associated with flavored cigar smoking in general and the types of flavors used by this group. Methods Using ecological momentary assessment (EMA), this study collected data from eight surveys per day over 14 days. Sixty-three African-American young adult dual cigarette and cigar smokers (ages 18–29) recorded real-time affect (e.g., stress), cues (e.g., companionship), substance use (e.g., blunt smoking), and cigar smoking. Multivariable Generalized Estimating Equations were used to assess the predictors of flavored cigar smoking in general and specific flavor types (i.e., alcohol, sweet, and mint). Results Almost all (98.4%) participants smoked flavored cigars, and 64.2% of the 1,205 cigars smoked were flavored. Alcohol (34.4%) was the most frequently smoked flavor type followed by sweet (23.4%) and mint (5.7%). Smoking in vehicles (AOR=2.06) and with others in view (AOR=1.63) were associated with flavored cigar use (vs. at home and alone, respectively). Feeling stressed (AOR=1.07) and bored (AOR=1.09) predicted alcohol-flavored cigar smoking. Blunt smoking was positively associated with smoking sweet flavors (AOR=3.78) but negatively associated with smoking alcohol flavors (AOR=0.44). Conclusions African American young adult dual cigarette and cigar smokers may use specific cigar flavors for various purposes including smoking blunts and boosting mood. Interventions designed to address the specific predictors of flavored cigar smoking may help prevent and reduce cigar smoking among this group.

Scientific Focus Area: Health Disparities

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