Sociodemographic differences in single, dual, and poly tobacco use among Appalachian youth

INTRODUCTION: Patterns of youth tobacco use, including use of multiple products, have likely shifted as e-cigarettes have grown in popularity. However, there is limited understanding of dual and poly tobacco use and the associated disparities, especially among Appalachian youth. METHODS: We analyzed Youth Appalachian Tobacco Study data (n=1116) to estimate prevalence of current (past-30 day) cigarette, e-cigarette, and smokeless tobacco use by gender, race/ethnicity, age, school type, state, smartphone use, and number of household tobacco users. We created a pattern of tobacco use variable (i.e. never, former, single, dual, poly) based on all possible combinations of the included products. Using multivariable multinomial logistic regression (outcome reference: never use), we evaluated associations between sociodemographic characteristics and patterns of tobacco use. RESULTS: Former (16.2%) was the most common tobacco use group, followed by single (10.8%), dual (4.5%), and poly (2.4%) use. Dual and poly use were more prevalent among males, Whites/Caucasians, older participants, and participants living in households with tobacco users. Kentucky residents (vs New York) had higher odds of dual use (OR=5.15; 95% CI: 1.72–15.44), and youth who used smartphones for ≥20hours/week (vs <20 hours/week) had greater odds of poly use (OR=3.02; 95% CI: 1.34–6.80). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in single, dual, and poly tobacco use were evidenced by sociodemographic characteristics. Additional inquiry should further examine these disparities so that tobacco prevention interventions can be appropriately tailored.