Prevalence and characteristics of cigarillo smoking in Canada: results from the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey

Objectives: Cigarillo smoking has been associated with many adverse outcomes; however, little is known about its use in Canada. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of ever and the current use of cigarillo in Canada.

Study design: This study was a cross-sectional study.

Methods: This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2012 cycle of the Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey collected by Statistics Canada, examining tobacco use among Canadians aged 15 years or older in all 10 provinces. The two main outcomes of the present study were 'ever use' and 'current use' of cigarillos. Covariates examined included the following: demographic factors, socio-economic factors, and smoking-related factors.

Results: The overall prevalence of ever and current cigarillo smoking were 38.4% and 3.1%, respectively. Factors that had the highest association with cigarillo smoking included being a male and being young. Cigarette and marijuana use were also associated with increased use of cigarillo. Specifically, marijuana users were at two-fold increase of the current cigarillo smoking (odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval: 1.97-2.41).

Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of correcting public perception about cigarillos and directing government resources to prevent an increase in their use.