Adult use of cigars, little cigars, and cigarillos in Cuyahoga County, Ohio: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Adult use of cigars, cigarillos, and little cigars has increased over the past two decades; however, little is known about the characteristics of the users. Methods: The data were derived from 5 years (2003-2007) of the Cuyahoga County Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, a random digit-dialed telephone survey conducted by ICF Macro International, based on the survey and methods of the Ohio BRFSS. Results: Results indicate that the prevalence of current cigarette smoking across the 5 years was 23.1%. Cigar use and little cigar use were reported by 4.3% and 3.3% of respondents, respectively. Compared with cigarette users, cigar and little cigar users were far more likely to report multiple product use (12.8% vs. 63.9% and 80.5%, respectively). Cigar and little cigar users differed from cigarette smokers in demographic profile and patterns of multiple product use. Discussion: Black and lower income adults were significantly more likely to report use of little cigars and use of multiple products. These disparities potentially contribute to the disproportionate rates of tobacco-related illnesses and underrepresentation of low-income and minority populations in tobacco use prevalence rates.