Heterogeneity in Tobacco-Use Behaviors Among U.S. Blacks per Global Region of Origin

AbstractHeterogeneity in tobacco-use behaviors among U.S. blacks by global region of origin and age at immigration was examined. Self-identified black participants from the 2006 –2015 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey were included (n = 47,857). Countries of origin were classified by global regions (U.S., Africa, Europe, West Indies). Multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, were used to examine th e association of global region of origin and age at immigration with tobacco-use behaviors. Prevalence of current cigarette smoking among U.S. blacks varied significantly by global region of origin (U.S.-born = 17.4%, Europe-born = 17.7%, Africa-born = 4.7%, West-Indies-born = 4.9%; p <  0.01). Furthermore, foreign-born blacks were less likely than U.S.-born blacks to smoke menthol flavored cigarettes (p <  0.05). Participants who immigrated to the U.S. at ≥ 13 years old were less likely than U.S.-born blacks to start regular smoking as minor (p <  0.05). Tobacco-use behaviors differ by global region of origin and age at immigration in the U.S. black population.
Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research