Concurrent cigarette and smokeless tobacco use among US men & women

Audience: Tobacco control researchers, policy makers, advocates, and educators.

Key Points:

Concurrent use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (CiST) is increasing and differs among US men and women. Cross-sectional data from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to evaluate CiST use by gender. Weighted stratified analyses were performed to examine associations between CiST use and sociodemographic factors by gender.

Differences in CiST use were noted by gender and when CiST users were compared to three different tobacco use groups: nonusers, exclusive smokers, and exclusive ST users. Although younger age and heavy alcohol consumption were associated with increased odds of CiST use in both genders other factors differed. Among men, education was inversely related to CiST use and these findings were consistent in all three comparisons. Among women, those unable to work or out of work were more likely to be CiST users, which was consistent across comparisons. Native American females had higher odds of CiST use than White females when non-tobacco users or smokers were the comparison group. This study also highlights the need to carefully consider comparison groups when evaluating factors associated with CiST use.

Educational Experience: The audience will learn what factors are associated with CiST use among men and women and considerations in selecting a comparison group when study findings are presented. These study findings will help guide future research, policy, and programs.

Benefits:  The audience will gain knowledge of factors associated with CiST use for each gender by attending this presentation.