Social Norms, Perceptions and Dual/Poly Tobacco Use among Texas Youth

We assessed risk perceptions and social norms about tobacco use across adolescent non-users of tobacco, single- product users, and dual/poly-product users.

Use behaviors specific to e-cigarettes, cigarettes, hookah, cigars, and smokeless tobacco were assessed among 6th, 8th and 10th grade students (sample [n] = 3907 from a population of [N] = 461,069 students). Multivariate regression was used to examine differences in these factors across use categories, adjusted for demographic factors.

Results highlight differences between non-users and single- or dual/poly-product users for most tobacco products. Dual/poly-product users differed from single-product users most notably in their higher perceived use of tobacco products by close friends and dating partners, and a higher proportion of single-product users reported most products were not harmful and not addictive compared to non-users. Few differences were seen between dual/poly-product users and single-product users in their perceptions of harm and addictiveness.

Findings demonstrate the importance of proximal social influences (ie, close friends and dating partners) for adolescent dual/poly-tobacco product users. Understanding similarities and differences in risk factors between these adolescent groups can guide effective public health prevention and treatment programs.