Heterogeneity in Tobacco-Use Behaviors Among U.S. Blacks per Global Region of Origin

Heterogeneity in tobacco-use behaviors among U.S. blacks by global region of origin and age at immigration was examined. Self-identified black participants from the 2006–2015 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey were included (n = 47,857). Countries of origin were classified by global regions (U.S., Africa, Europe, West Indies). Multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, were used to examine the association of global region of origin and age at immigration with tobacco-use behaviors. Prevalence of current cigarette smoking among U.S. blacks varied significantly by global region of origin (U.S.-born = 17.4%, Europe-born = 17.7%, Africa-born = 4.7%, West-Indies-born = 4.9%; p < 0.01). Furthermore, foreign-born blacks were less likely than U.S.-born blacks to smoke menthol flavored cigarettes (p < 0.05). Participants who immigrated to the U.S. at ≥ 13 years old were less likely than U.S.-born blacks to start regular smoking as minor (p < 0.05). Tobacco-use behaviors differ by global region of origin and age at immigration in the U.S. black population.