Smokers Are More Likely to Smoke More after the COVID-19 California Lockdown Order

Abstract

To determine if cigarette smoking, electronic cigarette use, and rate of consumption of these products differed before and after a pandemic lockdown order, two convenience samples of adults in Central California were recruited and surveyed before (March 2020) and after (May 2020) COVID-19 lockdown orders were implemented in California (n = 2571). Multivariable logistic and negative binomial regression models tested the association between adults recruited pre- or post-California lockdown and past month cigarette use, past month electronic cigarette use, past month cigarette consumption, and past month e-cigarette consumption among current users, controlling for demographic differences. Adults pre- and post-lockdown had equal odds of using cigarettes during the past month. Cigarette users who responded post-lockdown had higher cigarette consumption rates compared to cigarette users who responded pre-lockdown (IRR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.23). Adults who responded post-lockdown had lower odds of using electronic cigarettes during the past month compared to participants surveyed before the order (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.78). Cigarette users may be using more cigarettes during the state mandated lockdown. Possible causes for this increase in cigarette use may include increased stress, the change in workplace smokefree protections coverage, and increased opportunities for smoking or vaping.

Stressors experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and substance use among US college students

“…For example, while pandemic-related financial stress may result in cigarette use as a means of coping, it is also possible that using cigarettes (the cost of purchasing cigarettes) can reduce available funds resulting in financial stress ( Siahpush et al, 2003 ). Still, our overall findings align with prior studies that show that other stressors may have been linked to increased substance use ( Gonzalez et al, 2021 ), but extends this literature by highlighting specific stressors that impact people during the pandemic.…”

Smoking in Patients With Chronic Cardiovascular Disease During COVID-19 Lockdown

“…Unhealthier lifestyle was associated to stress and was similar among smokers and non-smokers. Most of smokers did not change their tobacco consumption; however, 8.3% declared a decrease in tobacco consumption and only 3.7% an increase which is very different from findings from other surveys including our present study ( 18 – 24 , 26 ). In Netherlands the lockdown rules were much less strict than in other countries including France, thus potentially influencing such findings.…”

Exploring Factors Contributing to the Smoking Behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese Young Smokers during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

“…Stay-at-home and work-from-home orders also led to increased family conflicts, and some respondents consequently increased smoking to distract themselves. These qualitative findings provide a potential explanation to address the results of a large-scale population survey that observed an increase in cigarette consumption after the implementation of the lockdown order in California [ 35 ]. Despite the aforementioned negative effects, stay-at-home and work-from-home orders could, to some extent, reduce smoking and even lead to cessation in smokers who are unable to smoke in the home.…”