Associations between Black and Mild Cigar Pack Size and Demographics and Tobacco Use Behaviors among US Adults

Abstract

Pack size is an important pricing strategy for the tobacco industry, but there is limited data on how users differ based on preferred pack size for cigar products. Using data from Wave 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, this study identified differences in adult cigar user characteristics based on pack size purchasing behavior among users of a top cigar brand, Black and Mild. Weighted chi-square tests were used to examine the associations between Black and Mild pack size and sociodemographic, cigar and other substance use characteristics. Overall, our study found that users of Black and Mild cigars differ by demographic, cigar and other tobacco use characteristics based on preferred pack size, with smaller packs appealing to younger, female, less-experienced and less-established smokers, and larger packs appealing to older, male, more experienced, and more dependent cigar smokers. Dual use of cigarettes and cigars was also higher among users of smaller packs. While this study is cross-sectional, findings suggest that minimum packaging laws for cigars may impact younger adults who are purchasing smaller pack sizes and likely experimenting with new cigar products and styles.