Risky Business: Analysis of Adult Dual Tobacco Users

Audience: Dual tobacco use (people who regularly smoke and use smokeless tobacco) is a growing concern. People interested in learning about dual users from the perspective of the consumer will find this to be of interest.

Key Points: In 2011 we conducted in-depth interviews with adults who smoke and also use smokeless tobacco on a regular basis. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. From these interviews we developed profiles of four distinct dual users. We will describe these profiles and present their opinions about the nicotine effects and health risks associated with both types of tobacco, what led them to become dual users, and the conditions under which they use one form of tobacco or the other. Dual users’ experiences with tobacco cessation and with snus will also be presented.

Educational Experience: After describing the methods and interview guide we will present our findings, accompanied with verbatim quotations from the participants.

Benefits: There is a dearth of data about dual tobacco users. Our findings may inform researchers as well as prevention and cessation specialists. Dual users may be less likely to quit tobacco, and may find cessation attempts to be more challenging. Hence it is incumbent that the practice and research community learn more about dual users.