Epidemiology of cigar use among young adults in the US: A focus on socioeconomic (SES) and racial/ethnic differences

Introduction: National patterns in US cigar consumption demonstrate dramatic increases over the past decade, driven largely by a rise in small or little cigars, as well as products known colloquially as “cigarillos”. Cigars pose significant health risks, contributing to cancer of the mouth, lung, esophagus, and larynx. Prevalence data for these products are scant, in part because the Federal Government does not require reporting on sales, and in part because surveillance instruments have not kept pace with industry marketing; many consumers know these products by a brand name rather than as little cigars or cigarillos. The primary aim of this study was to examine the descriptive epidemiology of cigar use among young adults aged 18-25 in the US, with an emphasis on variation over time by socioeconomic status (SES) and racial/ethnic subgroups. Methodology: Secondary data analysis was performed using seven consecutive, annual cross-sectional waves (2002-2008) of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, with a special focus on past 30 day use of little cigars or “cigarillos” brands. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine temporal trends in a pooled sample of all cross-sectional waves. Models were stratified by race/ethnicity and SES to explore potential differences. Results: Roughly 20% of young adults report past 30 day cigar use and, overwhelmingly, little cigar and cigarillo brands are preferred. Preliminary findings indicate differences in cigar product use by race/ethnicity and SES. Discussion: Additional research is needed to better understand whether and how cigar use is disproportionate across race/ethnic and SES subgroups.