Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2025
Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System
Published on: October 22, 2020
Factors associated with smoking and e-cigarette use statuses among individuals with chronic diseases after hurricanes
Francis Dalisay1, Young-Rock Hong2, Haoran Chu3
1College of Journalism and Communications, STEM Translational Communication Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States.
Introduction:
Natural disasters increase health risks for individuals with chronic diseases and may worsen substance use behaviors as a coping mechanism. The present study examined post-disaster intentions to use and past 30-day use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes and associated factors among individuals with chronic diseases who experienced hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Methods:
We conducted online panel surveys in US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-declared disaster counties in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina following hurricane Helene, and in Florida following Helene/Milton (October-November 2024). Study participants (n=418) included adults with self-reported diagnoses of diabetes, heart disease, lung/respiratory disease, or cancer. We employed validated measures of hurricane stressors, psychological distress (depression/anxiety), and climate change anxiety. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with intentions to use and past 30-day use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
Results:
Hurricane stressors were consistently associated with increased intentions and current use of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes (AORs ranging from 1.21 to 1.36, all p<0.001). Depression/anxiety symptoms were associated with increased post-disaster intentions to use cigarettes (AOR=1.91; 95% CI: 1.38-2.64, p<0.001) and e-cigarettes (AOR=1.66; 95% CI: 1.21-2.28, p<0.01), and past 30-day use of cigarettes (AOR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.10-2.02, p<0.05). Climate change anxiety (AOR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.07-1.85, p<0.05) was associated with increased past 30-day e-cigarette use.
Conclusions:
In addition to hurricane stressors and depression and anxiety symptoms, climate change anxiety appears to be a factor associated with tobacco use, particularly, e-cigarettes. Post-disaster health assessments should incorporate substance use interventions for vulnerable populations with chronic conditions.
More Related Videos
09:25Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product Preparations
Published on: January 10, 2015
09:30A Microcontroller Operated Device for the Generation of Liquid Extracts from Conventional Cigarette Smoke and Electronic Cigarette Aerosol
Published on: January 18, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:29Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...