Impact of Little Cigar and Cigarillos on Co-Use of Multiple Tobacco Products and Cannabis In Young Adults

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH

Investigators

Abstract

Tobacco use remains the leading causes of preventable death and disease in the U.S. Little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs) are not used in the same way as other tobacco or nicotine products due to their unique attributes (e.g., breadth of flavor, low cost per unit), yet remain understudied. As a result, LCCs are often used along with other tobacco products as part of a multiple tobacco product (MTP) use pattern. MTP is a growing concern for young adult populations. Furthermore, co-use of cannabis is similarly prevalent among young adults who use LCCs, which may make it more difficult for young adults to stop using tobacco. To date, the measurement and conceptualization of MTP and cannabis co-use is not well defined particularly among those who use LCCs. The overall goal of this proposal is to build the candidate’s research expertise on MTP and cannabis co-use. This award will support the candidate’s career development as a sociobehavioral epidemiologist. The career development plan includes mentoring and training in 1) addiction science of tobacco and cannabis use, 2) mixed methods, 3) ecological momentary assessment, and 4) grant writing and academic leadership. Aim 1 of the proposed research study includes a longitudinal secondary data analysis of a representative national sample of young adults. This data will be used to 1) evaluate tobacco and cannabis consumption profiles, and 2) examine the role of LCCs in transitions to other tobacco and cannabis product use as well as in developing symptoms of tobacco use disorder. Aim 2 is a phased mixed methods study that will test the feasibility and acceptability of conducting an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) among individuals who use LCCs and other tobacco and cannabis products. Phase 1 will include cognitive interviews to pretest data collection tools to be used in the subsequent study phase. Phase 2 will be a pilot EMA including a baseline and follow-up surveys, momentary assessments, and daily experience diaries. Phase 3 will include in-depth qualitative interviews to understand the patterns of tobacco and cannabis use and their impact on the symptoms of tobacco use disorder among those who use LCCs. Through successful execution of the mentoring and research aims, this research will lay the foundation for a scaled study that captures dynamic patterns of substance use and their relationship to symptoms of tobacco use disorder to identify novel, tailored strategies that disrupt these dynamic patterns to promote successful smoking cessation among young adults.