Trends in Education-Related Smoking Disparities Among U.S. Black or African American and White Adults: Intersections of Race, Sex, and Region.

INTRODUCTION: Despite its overall decline in the United States, trends in cigarette smoking could vary by intersection with demographic characteristics. We explored trends in education-related disparities in current smoking among U.S. adults by race (Black or African American and White), sex, and U.S. census region. AIMS AND METHODS: Data were from U.S. civilian non-institutionalized adults (aged ≥18 years) who self-identified as Black or African American and White and participated in the 1995-2019 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. We estimated average annual percent changes in current cigarette smoking by the intersections of race, sex, census region, and educational attainment. We calculated educated-related prevalence differences in current cigarette smoking by subtracting the prevalence of bachelor's degrees from that of

Exploring the hypothetical impact of flavored cigar sales restrictions among black young adult cigar smokers: a semi-structured in-depth interview investigation.

This study assessed the hypothetical impact of flavored cigar sales restrictions on cigar smoking among Black young adult cigar smokers (ages 21-29). Forty in-depth interviews were conducted in 2020. Interviews were independently coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. When asked how they would smoke cigars given a flavor sales restriction, half of participants reported they would smoke in the same way, a third would stop or reduce smoking, and a few were unsure of what they would do. Cigar smoking outcome expectancies, preference for flavors, and perceived addictiveness of cigar products may predict cigar smoking change given flavor sales restrictions.

Variations in Substance Use and Disorders Among Sexual Minorities by Race/Ethnicity.

PURPOSE: Little is known about racial/ethnic minority substance use and disorder-related disparities among sexual minorities as compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This study aimed to understand the associations between sexual minority status and substance use and disorders among U.S. adults stratified by race/ethnicity. Methods: We analyzed data from a sample of U.S. adults (n = 35,981) surveyed during the 2012-2013 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. Respondents were categorized into four sexual minority statuses: heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, and conflicting. Respondents' substance (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) use and disorders were also assessed using standard measures. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between sexual minority status and substance use and disorders, stratified by race/ethnicity, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Sexual minority adults experienced a higher prevalence of substance use and disorders than heterosexuals. For example, bisexuals were more likely than heterosexuals to use marijuana (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.64-4.50) and have tobacco use disorders (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI = 2.02-3.28). These associations were stronger among racial/ethnic minorities. For instance, bisexual non-Hispanic Blacks were more than twice as likely (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI = 2.16-4.65) to be current tobacco users than their heterosexual counterparts; while this association was weaker for bisexual non-Hispanic Whites (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.47-2.71). Conclusion: Sexual minority adults, especially those who are also racial/ethnic minorities, experience a significantly higher burden of substance use and disorders than heterosexuals. Efforts to screen and treat substance use and disorders among this particular population are critically needed to improve their health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

Correction to: Soil microbes that may accompany climate warming increase alpine plant production.

The DOI link to the data in the Acknowledgments section of the article was incorrect. The proper link to the data is.

"Hey, I Got to Smoke Some Weed": Favorable Perceptions of Marijuana Use Among Non-College-Educated Young Adult Cigarette Smokers.

Introduction: As marijuana legalization progresses in the U.S., this study investigated the perceptions of marijuana use among non-college-educated young adult smokers. Methods: Twelve focus groups were conducted to explore themes related to marijuana and marijuana use among a racially and ethnically diverse sample of 75 young adult smokers (ages 18-29 years) with <4-year college education and <$90,000 annual household income living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyze the transcripts. Data collection and analysis took place in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Results: Many participants reported smoking cigarettes to boost and maintain the psychoactive effect ("high") of smoking marijuana; some smoked marijuana to substitute frequent cigarette smoking. Participants generally stated that they believed marijuana smoking was healthier and less addictive than cigarette smoking; many preferred smoking marijuana over cigarettes. Participants also mentioned that cigarette smoking was stigmatized and not socially acceptable but marijuana smoking was "trendy" and "cool." Some reported that they smoked marijuana to cut down on cigarettes, although most were unsuccessful. Racial and ethnic differences in marijuana use were also identified. Discussion: Non-college-educated young adult smokers expressed largely favorable views towards smoking marijuana. Such positive views may lead to prolonged and escalated use of cigarettes and marijuana, resulting in exacerbated adverse health consequence of smoking both products as well as worsened outcomes of cigarette smoking cessation. Evidence-based messages are greatly needed to communicate the harm and risks of marijuana use and marijuana and tobacco co-use among this group.

Soil microbes that may accompany climate warming increase alpine plant production.

Climate change is causing species with non-overlapping ranges to come in contact, and a key challenge is to predict the consequences of such species re-shuffling. Experiments on plants have focused largely on novel competitive interactions; other species interactions, such as plant-microbe symbioses, while less studied, may also influence plant responses to climate change. In this greenhouse study, we evaluated interactions between soil microbes and alpine-restricted plant species, simulating a warming scenario in which low-elevation microbes migrate upslope into the distribution of alpine plants. We examined three alpine grasses from the Rocky Mountains, CO, USA (Poa alpina, Festuca brachyphylla, and Elymus scribneri). We used soil inocula from within (resident) or below (novel) the plants' current elevation range and examined responses in plant biomass, plant traits, and fungal colonization of roots. Resident soil inocula from the species' home range decreased biomass to a greater extent than novel soil inocula. The depressed growth in resident soils suggested that these soils harbor more carbon-demanding microbes, as plant biomass generally declined with greater fungal colonization of roots, especially in resident soil inocula. Although plant traits did not respond to the provenance of soil inocula, specific leaf area declined and root:shoot ratio increased when soil inocula were sterilized, indicating microbial mediation of plant trait expression. Contrary to current predictions, our findings suggest that if upwardly migrating microbes were to displace current soil microbes, alpine plants may benefit from this warming-induced microbial re-shuffling.

A digital, coach-assisted intervention to address the psychosocial needs of young adult cancer survivors: Randomized controlled trial protocol and intervention adaptation process.

BACKGROUND: Given the increasing number of young adult cancer survivors and the impacts of cancer on various life domains, interventions addressing the psychosocial needs of young adult survivors are crucial. However, such intervention research is limited, and the existing literature has often: 1) overlooked young adult survivors' psychosocial needs; 2) targeted depression, anxiety, or fear of recurrence - rather than positive outcomes like well-being; and 3) failed to consider scalable approaches, like digital health. METHODS: This paper documents the development and refinement of an 8-week digital, coach-assisted intervention targeting hope among young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39, within 3 years of treatment completion) and presents the protocol of the 2-arm RCT (comparing intervention vs. attention control). The intervention builds upon a 2017-2018 pilot trial (n = 56); intervention refinements were based on subsequent semi-structured interviews among young adult survivors (n = 23). RESULTS: The pending trial design involves an increased sample size (n = 150) to increase power and diversified recruitment efforts (i.e., clinic-based, social media, community-based organizations, etc.) to facilitate intervention reach, accessibility, and scalability. The intervention was enhanced by integrating highly relevant theoretical and therapeutic frameworks, specifically the concept of hope and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as updating intervention delivery technology. Intervention outcomes include feasibility and acceptability at end-of-treatment and preliminary efficacy on hope (primary outcome) and quality of life measures (secondary outcomes) at end-of-treatment and 16-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This paper may facilitate discussion regarding approaches for addressing the significant psychosocial challenges faced by young adult survivors and catalyze dissemination of trial results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05905250.

Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Perspectives on Cancer's Impact on Different Life Areas Post-Treatment: A Qualitative Study.

Purpose: Young adult cancer survivors experience disruptions in various life domains (e.g., relationships, academic/career) during and after treatment. This study examined life disruptions and related supports to update interventions to improve psychological outcomes. Methods: In April-July 2023, young adult survivors (n = 23) were recruited (via clinics, support groups, nonprofit organizations, etc.) to complete semi-structured interviews assessing cancer's impact across life domains, how they coped with related disruptions, and facilitators to improved psychosocial well-being. We used a dual deductive-inductive approach to develop a codebook and then coded transcripts in Dedoose. Results: This sample was on average 33.7 years old (standard deviation [SD] = 4.4), 78.3% female, 73.9% non-Hispanic White, 47.8% married/cohabitating, 2.4 (SD = 1.0) years post-diagnosis, 1.4 years (SD = 0.9) post-treatment, and largely diagnosed with breast cancer (52.1%) or leukemia/lymphoma (34.7%). The most salient themes related to disruptions included mental health, feelings of isolation during survivorship, and disruptions to career and relationships with family or partners. Participants reported challenges navigating these feelings and disruptions, and difficulty understanding and conveying their needs. Many experienced limited support for navigating cancer-related trauma and life disruptions as a survivor. Participants also reported some positive impacts, like reevaluating their values and goals or feeling resilient, and emphasized the need to identify supports, accept that life had changed because of cancer, and have their needs and continued struggles validated by others during survivorship. Conclusions: Young adults experience ongoing disruptions across multiple life domains, underscoring the need for integrated, longer-term psychosocial supports to help them navigate these disruptions and reevaluate their goals.

Physical and Sociocultural Community-Level Influences on Cigar Smoking among Black Young Adults: An In-Depth Interview Investigation.

Black young adults experience disparately high rates of cigar use and its health consequences. Little research has explored community-level influences on cigar smoking in this population, especially concerning product-specific influences and cigar smokers' perceptions. We conducted in-depth interviews with 40 Black young adult (ages 21-29) cigar smokers in the Washington, D.C. area and analyzed themes regarding physical and sociocultural community-level factors perceived to influence cigar use. Themes were further analyzed based on participants' predominant cigar products (cigarillos, large cigars, blunts). Participants reported easy access to affordable cigarillos, widespread cigarillo sales and targeted marketing, norms of cigar and blunt smoking for stress relief, socialization, and cultural participation, and ubiquitous cigar and blunt smoking cues, all of which promoted cigar use in their communities. Future research should further explore how community-level influences contribute to disproportionate cigar use among Black young adults. Our findings suggest that programs and policies addressing physical and sociocultural community-level pro-smoking influences may help mitigate cigar smoking disparities.

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

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.

Psychographic Profiling of Adult Tobacco Users and Implications for Mediated Message Tailoring.

PURPOSE: To investigate variations of psychographic profiles in adult tobacco users to inform message tailoring. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design used data from the Simmons 2015 National Consumer Study. SETTING: Data were voluntarily provided by US families through a mail survey on media, products, and services, brands, and attitudes. SUBJECTS: US adult tobacco users (N = 4,609). MEASURES: Participants answered questions about general opinion/attitudes and provided demographic and tobacco use information. ANALYSIS: A factor analysis was conducted to determine the "best" latent psychographic factor structure based on model fit, factor loadings, and interpretability. A structural equation model was then applied to assess the associations between demographics, tobacco product use, and latent psychographic factors. RESULTS: We identified 9 latent psychographic factors: (1) helplessness, (2) happiness, (3) achievements, (4) religion, (5) interest in art and culture, (6) conscience, (7) conformity, (8) family indulgence, and (9) creativity. Endorsement of these factors varied by demographics and tobacco product use. E.g. low income tobacco users showed stronger endorsement for "helplessness" (Adjusted Standardized Regression Coefficient [ASRC]: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.51) and "religion" (ASRC: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.33). Less educated tobacco users showed stronger endorsement for "conformity" (ASRC: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.24). Young adults had significant positive associations for "achievements" (ASRC: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.67). CONCLUSION: Psychographic profiles of tobacco users vary by demographics and product use. Tailored anti-tobacco media campaigns to specific disparity groups matching their psychographic profiles may improve message effectiveness and reduce tobacco use disparities.

Cigar-Smoking-Cessation Interest and Experience among Black Young Adults: A Semi-Structured In-Depth Interview Investigation.

Although Black/African American populations have high cigar-smoking prevalence, little is known about cigar-smoking cessation among this group. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of cigar-smoking cessation and assistance received from healthcare providers among forty Black young-adult cigar smokers (ages 21-29). Semi-structured in-depth phone interviews were transcribed and coded. Qualitative data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. Participants mostly smoked cigarillos, large cigars, and blunts. Overall, many regular cigarillo smokers reported interest in quitting eventually, while large-cigar and blunt smokers shared less interest in quitting because they perceived low harm from smoking these products. The reasons for cigar-smoking cessation were health concerns and financial constraints. Most of the participants who attempted to quit cigars did not use any cessation aids. The reasons for relapse included nicotine withdrawal, stress, and easy access. Additionally, most participants reported their healthcare providers did not ask whether they smoked cigars, and even when they knew, little assistance for cigar-smoking cessation was provided. Informing Black cigar smokers of the harm of cigar smoking and encouraging healthcare providers to screen for and assist with cigar-smoking cessation may alleviate the health burden of cigar smoking in this population.

"Isn't there a bunch of side effects?": A focus group study on the beliefs about cessation treatments of non-college educated young adult smokers.

Smoking remains more prevalent among non-college educated and racial/ethnic minority young adults in the U.S. These smokers are less likely than their college educated/non-Hispanic white counterparts to use cessation treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Alternative cessation methods (e.g., e-cigarettes) have also grown in popularity among smokers. Therefore, we conducted a focus group study to explore perceptions and beliefs about various cessation treatments among, racially/ethnically diverse, non-college educated young adult smokers. Seventy-five 18-29-year-old current smokers without a 4-year college education were recruited from the U.S. Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and attended one of twelve focus groups to discuss their awareness, beliefs, experiences, and intention for future use of cessation treatments. Focus groups were stratified by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Hispanic) and educational attainment (≤ high school vs. some college without obtaining a bachelor's degree). We used a thematic approach to analyze the discussions. We found that few participants were aware of cessation counseling or cessation related programs. Many participants reported previously using nicotine replacement therapies and e-cigarettes to quit smoking. Participants had little intention to use prescription medications due to perceived side effects. Participants' awareness, beliefs, and intentions of using other cessation treatments varied by race/ethnicity and educational attainment. In conclusion, our findings, if confirmed by subsequent quantitative studies, suggest that targeted media campaigns may be needed to explain the contents and benefits of behavioral cessation programs to non-college educated young adult smokers. Targeted media messages aim to overcome negative perceptions related to nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medications among non-college educated young adult smokers, especially those from racial/ethnic minority populations, may promote successful smoking cessation in this population.

Exploring changes in cigar smoking patterns and motivations to quit cigars among black young adults in the time of COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the Black/African American communities in the U.S. The objective of this study is to understand the change in cigar smoking patterns and motivations to quit cigars during the COVID-19 pandemic among Black young adult cigar smokers. METHODS: During May-June 2020, in-depth telephone interviews were conducted to investigate cigar (i.e., large cigars, cigarillos, filtered cigars, and blunts) smoking behaviors during the pandemic among self-identified, non-Hispanic Black/African American young adult cigar smokers (n = 40; ages 21-29). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded separately by three coders. Thematic analysis was used to assess thematic patterns arising from the interviews. RESULTS: Most participants reported smoking cigarillos and blunts in higher frequency and quantity to cope with COVID-19-induced stress, anxiety, loneliness, and boredom due to economic losses and physical isolation. Some also reported contextual changes in cigarillo and blunt smoking, including smoking around the clock, smoking immediately after waking up, and smoking an entire cigarillo or blunt in one setting. Very few participants reported motivations to quit cigars during the pandemic. Perceiving higher risks of progressed COVID-19 outcomes did not prompt participants' increased motivations for quitting cigars. CONCLUSIONS: Black young adults in this study increasingly smoked cigarillos and blunts during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly attributed to daily life stressors. Participants did not have increased motivations for quitting cigars to reduce COVID-19-related risks. Promoting contextually appropriate healthy coping and cigar smoking cessation may minimize COVID-19-related health consequences of cigar smoking and reduce health disparities among Black young adults.