Trends in tobacco use among US adults with chronic health conditions: National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2005-2013

Introduction: Chronic conditions are among the most common and costly of all health problems. Addressing tobacco use among adults with chronic conditions is a public health priority due to high prevalence as well as greater potential harm from continued use.

Methods: Data were drawn from 9years (2005-2013) of the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Adult (≥18years) tobacco use included any past 30-day use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco. Chronic conditions examined included anxiety, asthma, coronary heart disease, depression, diabetes, hepatitis, HIV, hypertension, lung cancer, stroke, and substance abuse. Controlling for sociodemographics, trends in product use for most conditions and a composite of any condition among those with chronic conditions were compared to respondents with no condition in weighted logistic regression analyses.

Results: Cigarette smoking declined significantly over time among adults with no chronic condition. Adults with one or more chronic condition showed no comparable decrease, with cigarette smoking remaining especially high among those reporting anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Cigar and pipe use remained stable and more prevalent among those with any chronic condition, with the exception of pipe use declining among those with heart disease. Smokeless tobacco use increased over time, with higher prevalence among those with asthma, mental health, and substance abuse conditions.

Conclusions: These findings have tobacco control and regulatory implications for addressing higher tobacco use among adults with chronic conditions. Provider advice and cessation resources targeting tobacco use among those with chronic conditions are recommended.