Heterogeneity in past-year smoking, current tobacco use, and smoking cessation behaviors among light and/or non-daily smokers

INTRODUCTION: Prevalence of light daily smoking, <10 cigarettes per day (CPD), and non-daily smoking has increased in the US population. This analysis examined the heterogeneity in past-year smoking behavior, current tobacco use behaviors, and smoking cessation behaviors among light and/or non-daily smokers. METHODS: Current adult (≥18 years old) smokers (N=26196) participated in the 2010–2011 US Current Population Survey – Tobacco Use Supplement, which reported current (T1) and past 12-month (T0) smoking behaviors. Responses were categorized by intensity (light ≤10 CPD vs heavy >10 CPD) and frequency (non-daily vs daily). Combinations of T0 and T1 smoking behaviors resulted in 15 smoking trajectories ending in light/non-daily smoking and a 16th category of heavy daily smokers at T1. Differences in demographics, tobacco use, and smoking cessation behaviors were assessed by using weighted multivariable regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 46.1% of US smokers were heavy smokers, 24.6% remained light daily smokers and 12.5% remained light non-daily smokers between T0 and T1. Current cigar, smokeless tobacco, and pipe use differed by smoking trajectories (p<0.05). All light and/or non-daily smokers were more likely than heavy daily smokers to have made a quit attempt (p<0.05) but use of cessation treatments varied. Smokers in many light and/or non-daily smoking trajectories were less likely than heavy daily smokers to be aided by healthcare providers for smoking cessation (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Among heavy daily smokers who became light non-daily smokers, the mismatch between intent to quit (80.9%) and receiving advice to set a quit date (33.7%) is one example of a potential opportunity for a clinical intervention.