Correlates of Anticipated Responses to Cigar Price Increase Among U.S. Adults Who Smoke Cigars

Abstract

We examined the prevalence and correlates of anticipated responses to hypothetical cigar price increases. Data are from a 2021 representative sample of U.S. adults who reported past-30-day cigar use ( n = 454; mean age = 39.8 years). Weighted multivariable logistic regressions assessed the correlates of behavior change responses. If cigar price increased, 77.2% intend to pay more, 44.7% intend to reduce use, and 39.9%, 37.7%, and 17.1% intend to use other tobacco, cannabis, and cheaper cigars, respectively. Those who smoked cigarillos (vs. other cigars) had higher odds of intending to pay more (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.41, 5.29]) and use other tobacco (AOR = 2.35; 95%CI = [1.26, 4.36]). Those who smoked within 5 min of waking (vs. >60 min) had higher odds of intending to use cheaper cigars (AOR = 5.19, 95%CI = [1.38, 19.46]). Almost half of U.S. adults who report past-30-day cigar use may reduce cigar smoking in response to price increases, though behavioral response may depend on cigar type smoked and tobacco dependence.