Food insecurity and daily smoking among socioeconomically disadvantaged young adults

Cigarette smoking remains disproportionately high among young adults and individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES). Previous research has shown an association between food insecurity (inability to afford enough food) and cigarette smoking among low-income individuals. We examined the extent to which food insecurity was associated with smoking frequency (daily, non-daily, never) among socioeconomically disadvantaged young adults.    

We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2011/2012 California Health Interview Survey, a statewide population-based telephone survey. Inclusion criteria for analysis included young adults aged 18-30, considered low SES defined as (a) non-college-educated and (b) below 200% of the federal poverty level. Weighted multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to identify correlates of smoking frequency including sociodemographics, health care access, alcohol use, psychological distress, and food security status.

Analyses included 1,511 young adults with low SES (47.7% female; 66.4% Hispanic/Latino; 32.9% foreign-born; 20.5% current smoker). Past-year food insecurity was associated with increased odds of daily smoking (OR=2.34, 95% CI [1.31, 4.15], when compared to never smoking) independent of other significant correlates of daily smoking (sociodemographics and binge drinking). Food insecurity, however, was not associated with non-daily smoking after adjusting for binge drinking and severe psychological distress.

In a diverse sample of young adults with low SES, experience of past-year food insecurity was associated with daily smoking. This association persisted after controlling for sociodemographic and behavioral health correlates of smoking. The relationship between food insecurity and smoking frequency warrants greater attention with respect to understanding and addressing tobacco-related health disparities.