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Understanding the association between initial experimentation with a tobacco product and subsequent patterns of tobacco use among youth is important to informing prevention activities for youth in the US. We conducted an online survey from August to October 2017 among youth aged 13–18 years. The current analysis focused on respondents reporting initial experimentation with any tobacco product (n = 2,022). Using multinomial logistic regression, we examined the association between first tobacco product tried (cigarettes; cigars including cigarillos, little cigars, and bidis; electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS); smokeless and chewing tobacco; or hookah) with subsequent patterns of tobacco use while adjusting for covariates. Of the youth who experimented, 56.8% were non-current tobacco users. Of current tobacco users (n = 934), 13% were exclusive ENDS users, 5.3% exclusive combustible mono-users, 13.4% ENDS plus combustible poly-users, 3.3% combustible product only poly-users, and 8.2% other tobacco poly-users. The most common type of first tobacco product tried was ENDS (44.7%), followed by cigarettes (35.0%) and cigars (8.6%). Those who experimented with combustible tobacco products were less likely to be exclusive ENDS users [Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.28, 0.73 for cigarettes; RRR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.81 for cigars; and RRR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.14, 0.79 for hookah] when compared to non-current tobacco users (reference group). Tobacco product choices for initial experimentation appear to play a role in subsequent tobacco use patterns among youth. Understanding the reasons behind initial product choice may inform our understanding regarding the reasons for subsequent current tobacco product use, thus informing youth prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine perceptions including knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about e-cigarettes among ethno-culturally diverse Latino adults living in the US, a rapidly growing minority group for which we know little about their e-cigarette perceptions. A total of 25 focus groups with Latinos (n = 180; ages 18–64 years) were conducted in 2014. E-cigarettes users and non-users were recruited via purposive sampling techniques. Participants completed brief questionnaires on sociodemographic factors and tobacco use. Focus group discussions were conducted in English and Spanish, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis procedures. Participants were of diverse Latino backgrounds. Over one-third (35%) reported current cigarette smoking and 8% reported current e-cigarette or hookah use. Nonsmokers reported experimenting with e-cigarettes and hookah during social occasions. Participants' perceptions towards e-cigarettes were generally formed in comparison to conventional cigarettes. Perceived benefits of using e-cigarettes included their utility as a smoking cessation aid, higher social acceptability, and lower harm compared to conventional cigarettes. Negative perceptions of e-cigarettes included lower overall satisfaction compared to conventional cigarettes and high content of toxins. Socio-cultural factors (e.g. gender roles, familismo, and simpatía) also influenced perceptions of e-cigarette of study participants. Overall, Latino adults knew relatively little about the potential health risks associated with e-cigarette use. The limited knowledge about and misinformation of e-cigarettes among this rapidly growing minority group have important public health implications. Findings may inform culturally tailored health communication campaigns, which are much needed among underserved US Latino populations in light of low effectiveness of tobacco control and regulatory efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Youth are at risk for tobacco use, and previous research has pointed to increased vulnerabilities associated with sexual minority identity. For example, LGB youth have increased odds for using tobacco than their heterosexual peers, and bisexual youth have higher odds of smoking than other sexual identity groups. As new tobacco products proliferate and health risks from dual/poly use grow, increased understanding of tobacco use patterns by sexual minority youth is needed. METHODS For 3117 youth, aged 13-18 years, who completed an online questionnaire in 2017 and identified their sexual orientation [minority (e.g. lesbian/gay, bisexual, or pansexual) vs majority (heterosexual)] and gender, we classified current tobacco use into four categories: e-cigarette only, other product only (such as cigarette, cigar, or smokeless tobacco; not an e-cigarette), dual/poly use, and no use. Analyses were conducted separately for male and female participants. Multinomial logistic regression was employed. RESULTS Female sexual minority youth had nearly twofold odds of dual/poly tobacco use (OR=1.95; 95% CI: 1.12-3.40), compared to their heterosexual counterparts. For male youth, sexual minority identification was not significantly associated with dual/poly use. No significant differences were found in sexual minority and heterosexual youth e-cigarette only or other tobacco only use groups. Tobacco use patterns also significantly differed by age, race, place of residence, and parental education level. CONCLUSIONS Study findings reveal greater odds of dual/poly tobacco use for female sexual minority youth. Tailored tobacco prevention and cessation programs or interventions are needed for sexual minority youth most at risk of tobacco use, especially multiple product use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Despite decreases in the overall US smoking rate, tobacco use remains more common in some areas and by some groups. Deeper understanding of group differences is needed in order to tailor public health campaigns to the interests, perceptions and experiences of targeted audiences. Although some differences have been identified across African American and Caucasian smokers in the United States, additional insight is needed regarding factors that differentiate these groups. This study examined tobaccorelated perceptions and practices, with an emphasis on identifying differences across African American and Caucasian smokers. Toward this goal, we examined key demographic variables of race and age, and tobacco use characteristics. METHODS The sample consisted of 284 people from the Jackson, Mississippi area who participated in focus groups and completed surveys addressing a variety of tobaccorelated topics, including knowledge and perceptions of products as well as use and health information seeking behavior. The selection criteria and recruitment approach ensured a balance across race (black, white), age (18-34, >35 years), sex, and cigarette smoking status (current, former, never). Statistical analyses were performed using SAS (v.9.4). RESULTS Differences were observed across demographic subgroups regarding type and pattern of tobacco products used (e.g. mentholated, markers of nicotine dependence, hookah). Differences in preferred sources of health information based on age as well as perceptions of risk as a function of age, smoking status and race were also noted. Exposure to secondhand smoke and perceptions of its risks, quitting efforts and cessation methods differed by race. CONCLUSIONS Study findings suggest key differences across important subgroups. Knowledge of such differences has the potential to improve strategic public health messaging, allowing health campaigns to more effectively prevent tobacco product uptake as well as promote interest in quitting tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Prior research has shown that tobacco companies target point-of-sale (POS) marketing to low-income communities. This research assessed the association between demographic characteristics and venue type with purchasing tobacco products in response to marketing. Methods. Using Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Wave 1 Adult data, this analysis compared promotion awareness and purchase influence among current smokers. Results. Tobacco promotions were more likely to be noticed at convenience stores, gas stations, or tobacco stores than at other outlets. Smokers who bought their cigarettes at these outlets were more likely to purchase a brand other than their usual brand because of marketing. Smokers below the poverty level had greater odds than others to have noticed tobacco ads and to indicate purchase influence. Conclusions. Point-of-sale marketing is effective in garnering the attention of low-income populations and influencing their tobacco purchases. Enforcing retailers' adherence to regulations is vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]