Smokers Are More Likely to Smoke More after the COVID-19 California Lockdown Order

Mariaelena Gonzalez, Anna E. Epperson, Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Deanna M. Halliday and Anna V. Song
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Mariaelena Gonzalez: Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
Anna E. Epperson: Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
Bonnie Halpern-Felsher: Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
Deanna M. Halliday: Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
Anna V. Song: Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 5, 1-9

Abstract: To determine if cigarette smoking, electronic cigarette use, and rate of consumption of these products differed before and after a pandemic lockdown order, two convenience samples of adults in Central California were recruited and surveyed before (March 2020) and after (May 2020) COVID-19 lockdown orders were implemented in California ( n = 2571). Multivariable logistic and negative binomial regression models tested the association between adults recruited pre- or post-California lockdown and past month cigarette use, past month electronic cigarette use, past month cigarette consumption, and past month e-cigarette consumption among current users, controlling for demographic differences. Adults pre- and post-lockdown had equal odds of using cigarettes during the past month. Cigarette users who responded post-lockdown had higher cigarette consumption rates compared to cigarette users who responded pre-lockdown (IRR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.23). Adults who responded post-lockdown had lower odds of using electronic cigarettes during the past month compared to participants surveyed before the order (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.78). Cigarette users may be using more cigarettes during the state mandated lockdown. Possible causes for this increase in cigarette use may include increased stress, the change in workplace smokefree protections coverage, and increased opportunities for smoking or vaping.

Keywords: COVID-19; tobacco products; cigarette smoking; vaping; electronic nicotine delivery systems; California (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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