Predictors and Prevelance of Cigar Use among 18-25 year olds in 2009

Background: The prevalence of cigar use has been steadily increasing since 1993 among 18-25 year olds especially among African American and white males. In 2005, cigar sales in the United States rose by 15.3% and generated more than $2.9 billion in retail sales. Conventional cigar smoking is linked to an increased risk for cancers of the lung, oral cavity, larynx, and esophagus. Habitual cigar use and persons who inhale deeply stand an increased risk for developing coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Methods: SAMHSA's NSDUH data was analyzed in 2009 to assess demographic predictors of cigar use among AA and white adults between 18 and 25 years of age. The dependent variable for this study was cigar use during the past thirty days; the independent (predictor) variables were age at the time of the interview, race/ ethnicity, gender, level of education, total family income. Results: Past month cigar use decreases with educational attainment; a high school graduate is approximately 82% and a college graduate is approximately 65% less likely to smoke a cigar in the past month than a person with less than a high school education. There were no significant differences in past month cigar use among families with total incomes above $20,000. Conclusion: Educational strategies must be developed to target young adults regarding the dangers of cigar use. More research is needed to identify the reasons why young adults initiate, continue and quit smoking cigars.