Correlates of tobacco product initiation among youth and adults in the USA: findings from the PATH Study Waves 1–3 (2013–2016)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo report on demographic and tobacco product use correlates of tobacco product initiation (cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), cigars, hookah and smokeless tobacco) among the US population.DesignData were from the first three waves (2013–2016) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort study of US youth (aged 12–17 years) and adults (aged 18+ years). Never users of at least one type of tobacco product at Wave 1 (W1, 2013/14) or Wave 2 (W2, 2014/15) were included (n=12 987 youth; n=25 116 adults). Generalised estimating equations were used to evaluate the association between demographic and tobacco product use characteristics at baseline, and tobacco product initiation at follow-up (ever, past 30 day (P30D), frequent (use on 20 or more of thepast 30 days)) over two 1-year periods (W1–W2 and W2–Wave 3).ResultsYouth aged 15–17 years were more likely than youth aged 12–14 years and adults aged 18–24 years were more likely than older adults to initiate P30D tobacco use across products; non-heterosexuals were more likely than heterosexuals to initiate P30D cigarette and ENDS use. Older adults were more likely than young adults, and males were more likely than females, to be frequent users of ENDS on initiation. Ever use of another tobacco product predicted P30D initiation of each tobacco product.DiscussionOther tobacco product use and age predict P30D tobacco initiation across products whereas associations with other demographic characteristics vary by product. Continued contemporary evaluation of initiation rates within the changing tobacco product marketplace is important.

Correlates of tobacco product reuptake and relapse among youth and adults in the USA: findings from the PATH Study Waves 1–3 (2013–2016)

“…These findings are consistent with those in the report by Kasza et al 55 that evaluates correlates of tobacco product initiation. Since both initiation and reuptake are behaviours that involve starting (or restarting) tobacco use, it is not surprising that the pattern of correlates, in adults, 55 is similar to those seen here. Among former established users, time since last use had the largest magnitude of effect on subsequent relapse, especially among combusted products (ranging from a 4-fold increase in relapse among hookah smokers to a 13-fold increase among cigarette smokers; see table 3).…”

Initiation of any tobacco and five tobacco products across 3 years among youth, young adults and adults in the USA: findings from the PATH Study Waves 1–3 (2013–2016)

“…Given the growing phenomenon of concurrent multiple tobacco product use,35–40 prevention strategies could include discussion of how combining use of tobacco products may increase risk of addiction. Kasza et al 41 examined predictors of ever or P30D tobacco initiation over a 1-year period and found that after controlling for demographics, ever use of another type of tobacco product was a significant predictor of tobacco product initiation.…”

Correlates of tobacco product cessation among youth and adults in the USA: findings from the PATH Study Waves 1–3 (2013–2016)

“…36 As with survey designs in general, it is also possible that some participants failed to recall having made a quit attempt. 37 Despite these limitations, and taken together with correlates of tobacco product initiation 38 and tobacco product relapse behaviours, 39 findings underscore tobacco use disparities in the USA. For example, adults with low income are less likely to quit cigarette smoking when they try and are more likely to relapse after they quit.…”