Complexity of Measuring "Cigar Use" in Adolescents: Results From a Split Sample Experiment

Trapl, Erika S.; Terchek, Joshua J.; Danosky, Laura; Cofie, Leslie E.; Brooks‐Russell, Ashley; Frank, Scott

doi:10.1093/ntr/ntq247

Cited by 34 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…21,22 Such distinctions have important implications to the extent that these subtypes may be associated with different user groups and different patterns of use. For instance, whereas cigarillos were commonly referred to as blunts and discussed in the context of marijuana, in contrast, little cigars were not identified as cigars by the majority of our participants; and other evidence suggests little cigars may be more likely to be used by cigarette smokers, 7 mistaken for cigarettes, and perceived as substitutes for cigarettes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Language of Cigar Use: Focus Group Findings on Cigar Product Terminology

Dickinson

Johnson

Coleman

et al. 2016

NICTOB

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Introduction The consumption of cigar products has increased since 2000. The multiple product types within this category, combined with the varied language with which consumers refer to them, present challenges for accurately assessing the prevalence of cigar product use. Surveillance is also complicated by the fact that these products can be used to smoke marijuana, as “blunts”— cigars in which the tobacco is removed and replaced with marijuana. Few studies exist regarding the language and terminology used to describe these products. Methods Sixteen focus groups were conducted in fi cities in the United States between March and May of 2014. Participants (N = 123) included adults who had used cigars, cigarillos, or little cigars in the past 30 days. A semi-structured moderator guide was used to gather data on the terms used to identify cigar product subtypes and the language used to describe the products and their use. Results Participants used a variety of terms for each product subtype. Brand names were often used, as well as slang terms, including terms describing cigars modified for marijuana use. Some subtypes were less likely than others to be considered “cigars.” Participants had mixed opinions about whether users of cigar products are “smokers.” Conclusions Users of cigar products may classify or label products differently from researchers and policy makers, and many refer to their product by brand name or a slang term. These fi have implications for future research, instrument design, and public health messaging about cigar products. Implications This study adds to the body of evidence highlighting the challenges for measurement and surveillance of non-cigarette tobacco products, including cigars. Findings illustrate the myriad terms used by consumers to describe their use of cigar product subtypes, as well as the complexity of distinguishing between use of cigar products as intended, versus as a vehicle for smoking marijuana. Future research aimed to enhance specifi of cigar use measures will enable policy-makers and public health practitioners to more fully characterize prevalence and patterns of use by cigar subtype.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Language of Cigar Use: Focus Group Findings on Cigar Product Terminology

Dickinson

Johnson

Coleman

et al. 2016

NICTOB

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“…Some common brands are Black and Mild, Swisher Sweets, Dutch Masters, Phillies Blunts, Prime Time, and Winchester.” Brand names were included due to research indicating LCC use may be underreported without such brand name indicators. 29–31 Respondents then were asked which products they had “heard of before taking this survey” and which products they “have ever tried, even just one time.” Those who reported they had tried LCCs then were asked if they had used the product in the past 30 days. Respondents who answered affirmatively to “have ever tried, even just one time” were classified in this study as lifetime LCC smokers and those who answered affirmatively to use of LCCs in the past 30 days were classified as current LCC smokers .…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2016

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Objective 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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.

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“…Brand information was included for little cigars, cigarillos, and bidis; e-cigarettes; dip and snuff; chewing tobacco; snus; and dissolvables, because previous research has shown that it increases validity of estimates. 38,39 Once a respondent endorsed ever using a tobacco product, they were labeled as an ever user of that product at all subsequent waves. For simplicity, ever use will be referred to as "use" from this point forward.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Next Generation of Users: Prevalence and Longitudinal Patterns of Tobacco Use Among US Young Adults

et al. 2014

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Objectives. We monitored the prevalence and patterns of use of the array of tobacco products available to young adults, who are at risk for initiation and progression to established tobacco use. Methods. We used data from waves 1 to 3 of GfK’s KnowledgePanel (2011–2012), a nationally representative cohort of young adults aged 18 to 34 years (n = 2144). We examined prevalence and patterns of tobacco product use over time, associated demographics, and state-level tobacco policy. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors of initiation of cigarettes as well as noncombustible and other combustible products. Results. The prevalence of ever tobacco use rose from 57.28% at wave 1 to 67.43% at wave 3. Use of multiple products was the most common pattern (66.39% of tobacco users by wave 3). Predictors of initiation differed by product type and included age, race/ethnicity, policy, and use of other tobacco products. Conclusions. Tobacco use is high among young adults and many are using multiple products. Efforts to implement policy and educate young adults about the risks associated with new and emerging products are critical to prevent increased initiation of tobacco use.

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Complexity of Measuring "Cigar Use" in Adolescents: Results From a Split Sample Experiment

Abstract: Inclusion of BE in current measures of cigar product use may improve product use estimates in at-risk groups. However, better estimation of cigar product use may be accomplished by creating additional items to assess the use of subtypes of cigars.

Cited by 34 publications

References 18 publications

The Language of Cigar Use: Focus Group Findings on Cigar Product Terminology

The Language of Cigar Use: Focus Group Findings on Cigar Product Terminology

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

The Next Generation of Users: Prevalence and Longitudinal Patterns of Tobacco Use Among US Young Adults

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