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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
4074.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - Board 3

Abstract #109385

Adolescent cigar use: Understanding the new epidemic

Sonal Kishore, MPH candidate1, Elizabeth M. Gaier Larkin, MS2, Pamela Brackett, MNO2, Jean Frank, MPH2, and Scott, H. Frank, MD, MPH3. (1) Masters of Public Health, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, 330-715-0830, Sonal.Kishore@case.edu, (2) Center for Adolescent Health, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., School of Medicine, WG-48, Cleveland, OH 44106, (3) Division of Public Health, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Ave., School of Medicine, WG-57, Cleveland, OH 44106

Objective: This analysis examines differences in demographics, health attitudes, and behaviors between teens who: 1) do not use tobacco; 2) smoke only cigarettes; 3) smoke only cigars; and 4) smoke both cigarettes and cigars with emphasis on groups 3 and 4 as special risk categories. Methods: In the spring of 2004, the Center for Adolescent Health completed administration of the Partnership Youth Tobacco Survey to 4,409 teens in Cuyahoga County high schools. The standard survey question measuring cigar use was altered to increase accuracy. Countywide weighted prevalence was calculated and chi-square analysis determined differences between users of different tobacco products. Results: The survey revealed the surprising result that cigar use (22.7%) exceeds cigarette use (16.2%) in our area. In fact, 71.6% of teens do not use tobacco; 4.3% smoke only cigarettes; 10.6% smoke only cigars and 11.9% smoke both cigarettes and cigars. Other forms of tobacco use (chew, bidis, kreteks) represent 1.5% of teen use. Students who smoked each type of product differed significantly in demographics, behavior, and attitudes. Consistently, students who smoked both cigars and cigarettes demonstrated higher risk behaviors than cigarette or cigar only smokers. Paradoxically, cigarette and cigar smokers were more likely to recognize tobacco as a gateway to other alcohol and drug use than non smokers; and less likely to believe that smokers are perceived as cool by others. Conclusions: Cigars are a major component of teen tobacco use, which may indicate needed adjustments to current prevention and intervention efforts. Implications for preventive programming are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    Who's Smoking? Tobacco Use Trends among Adolescents and Young Adults Poster Session

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA