Among other changes in young adult smoking trends, flavored cigar sales have increased in recent years in this population, particularly within African American young adults. A recent study examined African American young adults who were co-users of flavored cigars and cigarettes and the predictors for use of flavored cigars.

 

This study used data from an Ecological Momentary Assessment study that conducted text message surveys throughout the day for two weeks. The participants were 63 African American young adults who were self-reported dual users of cigarettes and flavored cigars. The results indicated that almost all participants smoked cigars during this time period, and that over half of cigars smoked were flavored. Alcohol, sweet, and mint flavors were the most common. Use of flavored cigars was associated with being stressed or bored as well as smoking marijuana.

 

This study shows the need to control or ban flavoring of cigars, which would potentially reduce the appeal of cigar products.

 

Take Away: African American young adults who use cigars and cigarettes are likely to choose to use flavored cigars. This poses the need for control on cigar products and education on tobacco use.

 

Chen-Sankey, J.C., Choi, K., Kirchner, T.R. Feldman, R.H., Butler, J. (2019). Flavored cigar smoking African American young adult dual users: An ecological momentary assessment. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 196. (79-85). doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.12.020