Cigarette relighting disparities and potential implications: Survey findings from a large US probability sample

Cigarette relighting is common yet understudied, despite its potential implications for tobacco treatment, and previous associations with elevated risk for lung diseases and cancer. An online survey was conducted to determine cigarette relighting prevalence and correlates among a national probability sample of adults who smoke cigarettes (n = 1,697). Overall, 67% (n = 1,161) of participants reported relighting in the last 30 days. Compared to other adults who smoke, individuals who relit frequently (at least several times per week, 45.9%, n = 779) in the last 30 days were more likely to be Black (17.4% vs. 10.4%), have ≤ a high school diploma (65.1% vs. 49%), <$50 K annual income (62.5% vs. 41.7%), be uninsured (15.5% vs. 10.2%), and use long rod cigarettes (58.6% vs. 39%). Individuals who relit frequently (vs. infrequently) in the last 30 days reported relighting to save money (69.6% vs. 43.6%, p < 0.001), cut down or quit (40.6% vs. 17.1%, p < 0.001), or reduce harm (33.9% vs. 10.3%) and were more likely to believe relighting had decreased their smoking (39.6% vs. 10%). Very few participants' providers had discussed relighting with them. Overall, this comprehensive national study focused on cigarette relighting documents that this behavior is prevalent among adults who smoke, associated with specific sociodemographic characteristics and believed by some participants to help reduce harm. We recommend relighting be assessed in tobacco treatment and providers educated about relighting and its sociodemographic and other correlates. Research is needed on potential treatment implications so providers can consider relighting appropriately in their pharmacologic and behavioral treatment plans.