Psychosocial and Structural Correlates of Tobacco Use among Black Young Adults

Jacobs W, Qin WA, Amuta-Jimenez A, Merianos AL.
Psychosocial and Structural Correlates of Tobacco Use among Black Young Adults
Am J Prev Med. 2024 Sep 10:S0749-3797(24)00301-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.09.001. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39265895.

Introduction: US- and foreign-born Black young adults (YA) often have different cultural backgrounds and experiences that can an affect the types, extent, and response to psychosocial stressors encountered. This study examined whether psychosocial and structural stressors are similarly related to any and polytobacco (i.e., two or more tobacco products) use among sub-groups of Black YA in the U.S.

Methods: Cross sectional data were collected in 2023 from 445 Black YA (18-25 years) in the U.S. Stratified regression models were used to examine the association of psychosocial (mental health adversity, race-related adversity, concerns about societal issues), and structural (food insecurity, and housing insecurity) stressors with past 6 month any and polytobacco use among U.S.- and foreign-born Black YA.

Results: Race-related adversity was associated with higher odds of polytobacco use (vs. non-use) among both U.S.- (aOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.06, 1.74) and foreign-born (aOR=2.18, 95% CI=1.18, 4.03) Black YAs. Food insecurity was associated with higher odds of polytobacco use among foreign-born Black YA (aOR=1.92, 95% CI=1.13, 3.27) and any tobacco use among both U.S.- (aOR=1.36, 95% CI=1.04, 1.79) and foreign-born (aOR=1.47, 95% CI=1.01, 2.17) Black YA. However, concern about societal issues was associated with reduced odds of polytobacco use in both groups.

Conclusions: In all models, experiences of racism and discrimination (race-related adversity) was linked to higher odds of polytobacco use, while concern about societal issues was protective. However, there were nativity differences in the association of food insecurity with any and polytobacco use. Findings support the need for culturally/ethnically conscious tobacco prevention strategies that address the underlying psychosocial and structural drivers of tobacco use among Black YA subgroups.