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. 2017 Apr;3(2 Suppl 1):S48-S58.
doi: 10.18001/TRS.3.2(Suppl1).6. Epub 2017 Apr 1.

Reasons for Cigarillo Initiation and Cigarillo Manipulation Methods among Adolescents

Grace Kong  1 , Krysten W Bold  1 , Patricia Simon  1 , Deepa R Camenga  1 , Dana A Cavallo  1 , Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin  1
Affiliations

Reasons for Cigarillo Initiation and Cigarillo Manipulation Methods among Adolescents

Grace Kong et al. Tob Regul Sci. 2017 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: To understand reasons for cigarillo initiation and cigarillo manipulation methods among adolescents.

Methods: We conducted surveys in 8 Connecticut high schools to assess reasons for trying a cigarillo and cigarillo manipulation methods. We used multivariable logistic regressions to assess associations with demographics and tobacco use status.

Results: Among ever cigarillo users (N = 697, 33.6% girls, 16.7 years old [SD = 1.14], 62.1% White), top reasons for trying a cigarillo were curiosity (41.9%), appealing flavors (32.9%), because "friends use it" (25.3%), and low cost (22.4%). Overall, 40.3% of ever cigarillo users added marijuana (to create blunts) and 39.2% did not manipulate the product. Endorsement of these reasons for initiation and manipulation methods differed significantly across sex, age, SES and other tobacco use.

Conclusions: Cigarillo regulations should include restricting all appealing flavors, increasing the cost, monitoring the restriction of sales of cigarillos to minors, and decreasing the appeal of cigarillo manipulation.

Keywords: adolescents; cigarillos; initiation; manipulation; policy; prevention; regulations; youth.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest All authors of this article declare they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Reasons for Trying a Cigarillo among Adolescent Ever Cigarillo Users (N = 697)
Note: More than one response could be selected so the percentages do not add to 100%. *“Other” responses included adding marijuana.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Cigarillo Use Patterns among Adolescent Ever Cigarillo Users (N = 697)
Note: More than one response could be selected so the percentages do not add to 100%.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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