Most Latino smokers in California are low-frequency smokers.

AIMS

We examine the phenomenon of low-frequency smoking (non-daily smoking or smoking </= 5 cigarettes daily) among California Latinos and address its implications for addiction theory and population tobacco control.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data gathered in 2001 and 2003 through the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the largest general health survey in California. The present study focused on Latino current smokers (n = 1254 for CHIS 2001; n = 946 for CHIS 2003).

MEASUREMENT

Latino smokers reporting either non-daily smoking or smoking </=5 cigarettes daily were identified and grouped into one category: low-frequency smokers.

FINDINGS

Weighted by population parameters, more than 70% of Latino smokers in California were found to be low-frequency smokers [70.7% (CI = 67.2%, 73.9%) in 2001 and 70.8% (CI = 67.1%-74.2%) in 2003]. This high proportion cut across all demographic dimensions in both surveys, suggesting pervasiveness and reliability of this phenomenon. Proportions for non-daily smokers and low-rate daily smokers were 48.6% and 22.1% in 2001 and 54.9% and 15.9% in 2003. In both surveys, more than 80% of non-daily smokers consumed </= 5 cigarettes on their smoking days.

CONCLUSIONS

The fact that most Latino smokers are low-frequency smokers calls for a new theoretical framework--beyond withdrawal-based theories--to account for the prevalence of this behavior on the population level. It also calls into question the harm-reduction approach as a tobacco control strategy for California Latino populations. Strategies emphasizing that every cigarette can hurt, and encouraging complete cessation, seem more fitting for this group of smokers.