Smoking behavior among low-income black adults: Patterns and correlates of smoking trajectories

Introduction: Limited research has focused on identifying smoking patterns and correlates of cigarette use among low-income Blacks. Identifying smoking patterns and correlates of use would assist health providers to develop more culturally sensitive interventions. Methods: A semiparametric group-based trajectory modeling strategy was used to empirically identify patterns of cigarette use among 947 low-income Black adults (47% women) enrolled in a sexual risk reduction intervention at a sexually transmitted disease clinic. Patients' cigarette use was assessed 4 times over a 12-month period; correlates of cigarette use were examined. Results: Six smoking trajectories were empirically identified: none/rare smokers (n = 536), decreasing light smokers (n = 69), increasing light smokers (n = 51), low light smokers (n = 112), upper light smokers (n = 142), and moderate smokers (n = 33). Smoking trajectories were predicted by alcohol use, prior substance use treatment, marijuana use, and other illegal drug use, but the patterns varied by trajectory. Discussion: Results from this study show that Blacks' smoking patterns are associated with several risk factors. These findings suggest that development of prevention and cessation programs should be targeted to the specific needs of Blacks' smoking trajectories.