Correlates of smoker identity among intermittent and light daily young adult smokers: Findings from Wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Danielle M.; O'Connor, Richard J.; Collins, R. Lorraine; Hyland, Andrew J.; Kozlowski, Lynn T.
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 98(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Smoker identity -- Non-daily smoking -- Intermittent smokers -- Cannabis use -- Combusted tobacco -- Young adult; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Identifying as a 'smoker' has been associated with many cigarette smoking-related behaviors, including less frequent and intense cigarette use. Additional smoking behaviors (e.g., use of cannabis or cigars) also may contribute to self-identification as a 'smoker'. This study compared correlates of identifying as a 'smoker' and measurement strategies for non-daily cigarette consumption among young-adult intermittent and light daily smokers. Using data from Wave 1 of the PATH Study, different measurements of past 30-day non-daily cigarette use were evaluated. Weighted logistic regression models were used to compare associations with self-identification as a smoker among 18–24 year-old intermittent and light daily smokers ( n = 1531). Use of other smoked products (combustible tobacco, cannabis) and other documented correlates of smoker identity were evaluated. As frequency of monthly smoking increased, self-identification as a smoker increased (1–5 days = 24%, 6–19 days = 48%, 20–29 days = 78%, light daily smokers = 93%, daily smokers using >5 cigarettes per day = 99%). Self-reported smoking status 12 months ago significantly contributed to current identification as a smoker. Smoking cigars daily or using cannabis in the past 30 days were each positively associated with smoker identity. Different measurement approaches to non-daily cigarette use offer different advantages in terms of interpretability and granularity of information. Compared to daily smokers, non-daily smokers exhibit significant variability in identifying as a smoker, and systematic correlates of smoker identification are apparent. These findings may serve to enhance understanding of non-daily smokers and potential targets for intervention among this growing subpopulation of tobacco users. Highlights: Smoker identity is linked to many cigarette use behaviors among non-daily smokers. We assessed correlates of smoker identity in this group using national data. Smoking frequency, cigar, & cannabis use were associated with identity. Granular measurements of non-daily cigarette use detected important differences. What it means to be a "smoker" requires thinking of other combusted product use.