Bidi cigarette use among young adults in 15 states

There is a paucity of research on bidi use in the US and the few studies conducted have focused solely on adolescents. This article describes patterns and explores factors associated with bidi use among young adults, aged 18-24.

Data from 63,728 adults, including 5,324 young adults, aged 18-24, were derived from an optional tobacco module on the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, administered by 15 states. Logistic regression was utilized to examine factors associated with ever and current bidi use among young adults.

Nearly two thirds of adults who reported current bidi use were under the age of 25; 16.5% of young adults reported ever use and 1.4% reported current bidi use. Among young adults, higher rates of ever and current bidi use were noted for males, blacks, and current cigarette smokers.

The rates of ever bidi use among young adults may reflect experimentation with bidis during adolescence and raises questions about whether bidis may act as a gateway product to regular cigarette use. The disparities among certain subgroups are noteworthy and deserve further exploration. Tobacco prevention and control programs should address all forms of tobacco use and be cognizant of emerging products.