PURPOSE

Nondaily smoking is increasing in the United States and common among Hispanic/Latino smokers. We characterized factors related to longitudinal smoking transitions in Hispanic/Latino nondaily smokers.

METHODS

The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos is a population-based cohort study of Hispanics/Latinos aged 18-74 years. Multinomial logistic regression assessed the baseline factors (2008-2011) associated with follow-up smoking status (2014-2017) in nondaily smokers (n = 573), accounting for complex survey design.

RESULTS

After ∼6 years, 41% of nondaily smokers became former smokers, 22% became daily smokers, and 37% remained nondaily smokers. Factors related to follow-up smoking status were number of days smoked in the previous month, household smokers, education, income, and insurance. Those smoking 16 or more of the last 30 days had increased risk of becoming a daily smoker [vs. < 4 days; relative risk ratio (RRR) = 5.65, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.96-16.33]. Greater education was inversely associated with transitioning to daily smoking [>high school vs. <ninth grade: RRR (95% CI) = 0.30 (0.09-0.95)]. Living with smokers was associated with decreased likelihood of quitting [RRR (95% CI) = 0.45 (0.24-0.86)]. Having insurance was associated with quitting [RRR (95% CI) = 2.11 (1.18-3.76)] and becoming a daily smoker [RRR (95% CI) = 3.00 (1.39-6.48)].

CONCLUSIONS

Many Hispanic/Latino nondaily smokers became daily smokers, which may increase their risk of adverse health outcomes. Addressing different smoking patterns in primary care may be useful to prevent smoking-related diseases.