Summary
Introduction:
This text is a study examining the predictors and characteristics of cigarette smokers who also use smokeless tobacco or e-cigarettes. The study aims to identify factors associated with concurrent use of these products and how motivations for use may influence smoking cessation behavior.
Key Points:
* The study included 1324 current cigarette smokers who completed an online survey.
* Participants were classified into one of three groups: cigarette-only users, dual smokeless users, or dual e-cigarette users.
* Dual smokeless users were more likely to be male and have made past quit attempts by switching to smokeless products.
* Dual e-cigarette users were more likely to be white and have used stop-smoking medication.
* Willingness to try smokeless tobacco when unable to smoke was associated with dual smokeless and dual e-cigarette use.
* Strong anti-tobacco industry attitudes were associated with dual e-cigarette use.
* Dual users were generally younger, were non-Hispanic Whites, and possessed less formal education than cigarette-only users.
* Having made a quit attempt in the past year was associated with ever using stop-smoking medication among dual e-cigarette users.
Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding the motivations and factors associated with concurrent use of cigarettes and alternative tobacco products. As the use of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco continues to rise, it is crucial for clinicians and policymakers to consider the potential implications for smoking cessation and public health. The findings suggest that dual users may be more open to using assisted quit methods, and clinicians should assess whether their cigarette-smoking patients also use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco as it may indicate readiness to quit and open opportunities to discuss evidence-based options for smoking cessation.
Citation
Kalkhoran, Sara, Rachel A. Grana, Torsten B. Neilands, and Pamela M. Ling. “Dual Use of Smokeless Tobacco or E-Cigarettes with Cigarettes and Cessation.” American Journal of Health Behavior 39, no. 2 (March 1, 2015): 277–84. https://doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.39.2.14.
