Patterns of intermittent smoking: An analysis using Ecological Momentary Assessment

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Non-daily smokers represent a significant portion of US smokers.
• Existing research often oversimplifies their behavior as solely "social smoking."

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the heterogeneous smoking patterns of non-daily smokers.
• To differentiate non-daily smoking behaviors beyond the "social smoker" label.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) over three weeks.
• 27 non-daily smokers recorded each cigarette via voice mail, noting circumstances.
• Hierarchical cluster analysis identified distinct smoking groups.

Main Results:

• Participants smoked on average 67% of days, with 2.1 cigarettes on smoking days.
• Significant proportions smoked while drinking alcohol (19%) or socializing (29%).
• Three distinct clusters emerged: Early (daytime), Late (nighttime), and classic Social smokers.

Conclusions:

• Non-daily smoking patterns are highly varied and complex.
• Many non-daily smokers do not fit the typical "social smoker" profile.
• Further research is needed to understand the nuances of non-daily smoking behavior.