INITIATION, CONTINUATION OF USE, AND CESSATION OF ALTERNATIVE TOBACCO PRODUCTS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

• Type of Material: Conference Paper
• Authors: Milkie Vu, Emory University; Betelihem Getachew, Emory University; Jackelyn B. Payne, Emory University; Thomas R. Kirchner, New York University; Carla Berg, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2018-04-01
• Publisher: Emory University Libraries
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2018 Milkie V.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.18332/tpc/84869
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: ANNALS OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
• Volume: 52
• Issue: February
• Start Page: S626
• End Page: S626
• Grant/Funding Information: The funders had no role in the study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of the data, the writing of the manuscript or the decision to submit it for publication.; This research was supported by the National Cancer Institute (1R01CA179422-01; PI: Berg).
• Keywords: college students; Social Sciences; qualitative research; e-cigarettes; Psychology; young adults; tobacco use; youth; prevention of tobacco use; Psychology, Multidisciplinary; alternative tobacco products; cessation; smoking
• Research Categories: Psychology, Social; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Diverse non-cigarette alternative tobacco products are increasingly popular in the United States. This study investigates the reasons why young adults initiate and continue the use of these products, as well as potential motivations and approaches for quitting. Products assessed include cigarettes, little cigars/cigarillos (LCCs), smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, and hookahs. METHODS: We conducted 60 telephone interviews, of 30-minute duration, with tobacco users enrolled in colleges in Georgia. Qualitative analysis was used to identify themes emerging from the data. RESULTS: Reasons for initiation, continued use, and (potential) cessation showed similarities and differences across products. Most commonly cited reasons for initiation included: peer influence (all products), flavors/tastes (all products except cigarettes), and easy environmental access and/or low costs (LCCs, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes). Participants discussed several influences on continued use, such as peer influence (cigarettes, LCCs, and hookahs), stress management (all products except hookahs), and use with other substances (cigarettes, LCCs, and hookahs). Primary motivations for cessation mentioned by participants were family responsibilities (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and hookahs) and health concerns (all products except e-cigarettes). Frequently used cessation strategies included avoidance of other tobacco users (cigarettes, LCCs, and hookahs) and a reduction of nicotine intake (cigarettes and e-cigarettes). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that researchers should consider the differences in reasons for use and discontinued use of tobacco products in order to develop targeted messaging strategies, particularly noting the differential impact of interpersonal influences and health concerns. We also point to a need for regulatory action that limits diversification and accessibility of different products.