Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of Cigar Craving and Addiction among Young Adult Black Cigar Smokers

Abstract

Black young adults have the highest prevalence of cigar smoking in the U.S. Little is known about how this population perceives addiction to cigar smoking, which may influence long-term smoking and cessation outcomes. This study used semi-structured in-depth interviews to understand cravings, triggers, and perceived addiction from cigar smoking among a purposive sample of Black young adult cigar smokers (N = 40; 21–29 years). An iterative process was used to develop the codebook, and thematic analysis was used to capture findings based on the products predominantly used: cigarillos, large cigars, or blunts. Results suggest that while participants may share similar types of cravings and triggers (e.g., stress) across the use of these products, predominant blunt smokers reported more unique triggers related to relieving physical discomforts. While most participants reported cigars could be addictive to people in general, only a few perceived that they themselves were addicted. Participants who predominantly smoked cigarillos reported high perceived addiction to cigars, while those who predominantly smoked blunts reported low addiction. Education messages are needed to inform young Black adult cigar smokers about the risks and health symptoms of cigar addiction. These efforts may help increase cigar cessation seeking and reduce cigar addiction-related health consequences and disparities among Black populations.

Perceptions of African American Youth and Adults Regarding Tobacco Use-Related Factors in Their Community

“…Mixed-methods research has been used to inform tobacco policies, regulations, and programs that seek to promote health equity by centering community voices and experiences. 20 Previous qualitative work among B/AA individuals has identified mistrust and lack of awareness of the FDA's role in tobacco regulation, 21 that community-level factors (eg, access, affordability, advertisements and cues, social and cultural norms) influence B/AA cigar use, 22 and that differences in perceptions of addiction 23 and quit intentions 24 exist on the basis of cigar subtype.…”