Stay-at-home period during COVID changed use and purchase of tobacco, study finds

Stay-at-home period during COVID changed use and purchase of tobacco, study finds

In telephone interviews with adults who smoke cigarettes and/or use electronic delivery systems, researchers found several changes in the use and purchase of inhaled tobacco products during the initial COVID-19 stay-at-home period in the U.S. Community-level changes centered on product accessibility and were reflected primarily in purchasing patterns. Interpersonal-level changes reflected shifts in household dynamics during quarantine, often changing how, but not necessarily how often, products were used. The main individual-level change was an increase in the use of inhaled tobacco products due to increased stress related to COVID-19. The authors conclude that strategies to support cessation and reduce relapse are needed at all three levels to avoid compounding the existing harms of tobacco use with the impacts of COVID-19 and possible future pandemics. Read the paper.