Exploring the Next Frontier for Tobacco Control: Nondaily Smoking among New York City Adults

Abstract

Objective. Among current smokers, the proportion of Nondaily smokers is increasing. A better understanding of the characteristics and smoking behaviors of Nondaily smokers is needed. Methods. We analyzed data from the New York City (NYC) Community Health Survey to explore Nondaily smoking among NYC adults. Univariate analyses assessed changes in Nondaily smoking over time (2002–2010) and identified unique characteristics of Nondaily smokers; multivariable logistic regression analysis identified correlates of Nondaily smoking in 2010. Results. The proportion of smokers who engage in Nondaily smoking significantly increased between 2002 and 2010, from 31% to 36% (P = 0.05). A larger proportion of Nondaily smokers in 2010 were low income and made tax-avoidant cigarette purchases compared to 2002. Smoking behaviors significantly associated with Nondaily smoking in 2010 included smoking more than one hour after waking (AOR = 8.8, 95% CI (5.38–14.27)); buying “loosies” (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI (1.72–7.08)); attempting to quit (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI (1.36–3.96)). Conclusion. Nondaily smokers have changed over time and have characteristics distinct from daily smokers. Tobacco control efforts should be targeted towards “ready to quit” Nondaily smokers.

Cigarette smoking and 9/11-related posttraumatic stress disorder among World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees, 2003–12

“…This proportion is similar to that seen at the NYC population-level (Sacks et al, 2012), but higher than the proportion at the national level (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2011). We also found that non-daily smokers were more likely to quit smoking than daily smokers.…”

One cigarette is one too many: evaluating a light smoker-targeted media campaign

“…A similar pattern is seen in New York City (NYC); from 2002 to 2010, NYC's adult smoking prevalence declined from 22% to 14%, while the proportion of light daily smokers increased from 31% to 37% and non-daily smokers increased from 31% to 36% 2. Jurisdictions other than the USA have also begun to focus on light and non-daily smokers as populations needing examination and programming, in part, due to their growing contributions to s moking prevalence 3–5…”

Nondaily, Low-Rate Daily, and High-Rate Daily Smoking in Young Adults: A 17-Year Follow-Up

“…1,5 In comparison with heavier smokers, they tend to have higher socioeconomic status (SES) 5 ; self-identify as nonsmokers 1,7 ; show fewer signs of nicotine dependence 1,5 ; and be more motivated to quit smoking. 2,5,7 There is a need for increased understanding of nondaily and lowrate daily smokers and their quitting beliefs and behavior, and in particular for longitudinal studies. 5 Most existing longitudinal studies are short-term, with follow-up ranging from 6 months to 7 years.…”