Factors associated with smoking and e-cigarette use statuses among individuals with chronic diseases after hurricanes Helene and Milton
Introduction Natural disasters increase health risks for individuals with chronic diseases and may worsen substance use behaviors as a coping mechanism. The present study examined post-disaster intentions to use and past 30-day use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes and associated factors among individu...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
European Publishing
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Tobacco Induced Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tobaccoinduceddiseases.org/Factors-associated-with-smoking-and-e-cigarette-use-statuses-among-individuals-with,203427,0,2.html |
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| Summary: | Introduction
Natural disasters increase health risks for individuals with chronic
diseases and may worsen substance use behaviors as a coping mechanism. The
present study examined post-disaster intentions to use and past 30-day use of
cigarettes and e-cigarettes and associated factors among individuals with chronic
diseases who experienced hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Methods
We conducted online panel surveys in US Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA)-declared disaster counties in Georgia, North Carolina, and South
Carolina following hurricane Helene, and in Florida following Helene/Milton
(October–November 2024). Study participants (n=418) included adults with selfreported
diagnoses of diabetes, heart disease, lung/respiratory disease, or cancer.
We employed validated measures of hurricane stressors, psychological distress
(depression/anxiety), and climate change anxiety. Multiple logistic regression
models were used to examine factors associated with intentions to use and past
30-day use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
Results
Hurricane stressors were consistently associated with increased intentions
and current use of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes (AORs ranging from 1.21 to
1.36, all p<0.001). Depression/anxiety symptoms were associated with increased
post-disaster intentions to use cigarettes (AOR=1.91; 95% CI: 1.38–2.64, p<0.001)
and e-cigarettes (AOR=1.66; 95% CI: 1.21–2.28, p<0.01), and past 30-day use
of cigarettes (AOR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.10–2.02, p<0.05). Climate change anxiety
(AOR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.07–1.85, p<0.05) was associated with increased past 30-
day e-cigarette use.
Conclusions
In addition to hurricane stressors and depression and anxiety
symptoms, climate change anxiety appears to be a factor associated with tobacco
use, particularly, e-cigarettes. Post-disaster health assessments should incorporate
substance use interventions for vulnerable populations with chronic conditions. |
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| ISSN: | 1617-9625 |