Smoking Among U.S. Hispanic/Latino Adults

Abstract

Background Prior national surveys capture smoking behaviors of the aggregate US Hispanic/Latino population, possibly obscuring subgroup variation. Purpose To describe cigarette use among Hispanic/Latino adults across subgroups of age, sex, national background, socioeconomic status, birthplace and degree of acculturation to the dominant US culture. Methods Cross-sectional survey of 16,322 participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos aged 18 to 74 years old, recruited in Bronx NY, Chicago IL, Miami FL and San Diego CA during 2008–2011. Results Prevalence of current smoking was highest among Puerto Rican persons (men 35.0%, women 32.6%) and Cuban persons (men 31.3%, women 21.9%), with particularly high smoking intensity as measured by pack-years and cigarettes/day among Cubans. Dominican persons had the lowest smoking prevalence (men 11.0%, women 11.7%). Persons of other national backgrounds had smoking prevalence that was intermediate between these groups, and typically higher among men than women. Non-daily smoking was common, particularly although not exclusively among young men of Mexican background. Persons of low socioeconomic status were more likely to smoke, were less likely to have quit smoking, and less frequently used over-the-counter quit aids as compared to those with higher income and education. Smoking was more common among individuals who were US-born and who had higher level of acculturation to the dominant US culture, particularly among women. Conclusions Smoking behaviors vary widely across Hispanic/Latino groups in the US, with high prevalence of smoking among population subgroups with specific, readily-identifiable characteristics.

Lifestyle Behaviors Affecting Bone Health in Young Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Women

“…Although the Hispanic population typically consumes plant sources of calcium, from which calcium is absorbed less effectively than dairy sources, our study found no differences in dietary calcium intake from dairy foods between groups, which may be a result of acculturation. 19,28,38,39 However, malabsorption of dairy products consumed by Hispanic women may contribute to lower bioavailability of actual calcium and vitamin D. 19 As the best practice to maintain adequate nutrition is through diet and Hispanic women may not regularly choose dairy foods or be able to properly absorb dairy products, Hispanic women should be educated about culturally relevant foods rich in nutrients to promote bone health.…”

“…However, level of acculturation was not recorded with a validated acculturation scale and may impact dietary and lifestyle behaviors, as less acculturated Hispanic women may be less likely to engage in behaviors to promote bone health. 28,38,39 Lifestyle behaviors to promote bone health throughout the life cycle are necessary to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. Clinical applications of this study include informing all women about the importance of bone health maintenance throughout life with proper lifestyle behaviors, especially adequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D and increased physical activity.…”

“…25,26 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show that 80% of Hispanic women are nonsmokers, compared with only 59% of non-Hispanic white women, although a recent study suggests that smoking rates among Hispanic women increase with lower socioeconomic status and greater acculturation. 27,28 While 51% of non-Hispanic white individuals report alcohol use, only 39% of Hispanic individuals consume alcohol. 27 However, more research involving Hispanic women is needed to determine the impact of these lifestyle behaviors on bone health.…”

Objectively Measured Sedentary Time and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control in US Hispanics/Latinos With Diabetes Mellitus: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

“…Interviewer‐administered questionnaires were used to collect information on age, sex, annual household income, education level, Hispanic/Latino background, employment status, and health insurance. Lifetime history of cigarette smoking and other smoking‐related variables were assessed by self‐reported questionnaires 23. Alcohol consumption was obtained through a self‐reported questionnaire on lifetime and current use of alcoholic beverages, the frequency of use per week, and type of alcohol consumed, adapted for use in Hispanic/Latino adults 24.…”

Daily and Nondaily Smoking Varies by Acculturation among English-Speaking, US Latino Men and Women

“…The remainder are of other Central American, South American, or other Hispanic or Latino origin. 13 Previous research has found that smoking prevalence and level (ie, light vs heavy smoking) among subgroups of Latinos varies significantly, eg, Mexicans tend to have higher smoking prevalence than Dominicans 14 and lower prevalence compared with…”