Cigar, Cigarillo, and Little Cigar Use among Canadian Youth: Are We Underestimating the Magnitude of This Problem?

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Cigar, Cigarillo, and Little Cigar Use among Canadian Youth: Are We Underestimating the Magnitude of This Problem?
Language: English
Authors: Leatherdale, Scott T., Rios, Patricia, Elton-Marshall, Tara, Burkhalter, Robin
Source: Journal of Primary Prevention. Aug 2011 32(3-4):161-170.
Availability: Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2011
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Smoking, Incidence, Prevention, At Risk Students, High School Students, Foreign Countries, Males, Individual Characteristics
Geographic Terms: Canada
DOI: 10.1007/s10935-011-0248-6
ISSN: 0278-095X
Abstract: Data from 29,296 students in grades 9-12 as part of the 2008-2009 Youth Smoking Survey were used to examine the prevalence of cigar, cigarillo, and little cigar use and factors associated with their use. Among Canadian youth in grades 9-12, 12.9% reported current use of cigarillos or little cigars, and 8.1% reported current use of cigars. The characteristics of youth most likely to use either cigars or cigarillos and little cigars were being male, being in grade 11 or 12, being a daily or occasional cigarette smoker, having more than $20 of weekly spending money, and having ever tried flavored tobacco. Our findings suggest that cigars, cigarillos, and little cigars are used by a substantial number of Canadian youth, many of whom do not smoke cigarettes. As such, current national prevalence estimates of youth smoking may be underestimated, and existing tobacco control prevention programs and policies may be overlooking a large population of at-risk youth.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 31
Entry Date: 2011
Accession Number: EJ938252
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Data from 29,296 students in grades 9-12 as part of the 2008-2009 Youth Smoking Survey were used to examine the prevalence of cigar, cigarillo, and little cigar use and factors associated with their use. Among Canadian youth in grades 9-12, 12.9% reported current use of cigarillos or little cigars, and 8.1% reported current use of cigars. The characteristics of youth most likely to use either cigars or cigarillos and little cigars were being male, being in grade 11 or 12, being a daily or occasional cigarette smoker, having more than $20 of weekly spending money, and having ever tried flavored tobacco. Our findings suggest that cigars, cigarillos, and little cigars are used by a substantial number of Canadian youth, many of whom do not smoke cigarettes. As such, current national prevalence estimates of youth smoking may be underestimated, and existing tobacco control prevention programs and policies may be overlooking a large population of at-risk youth.
ISSN:0278-095X
DOI:10.1007/s10935-011-0248-6