Identifying Patterns of Tobacco Use in Middle and High School Students in the Dominican Republic: A Latent Class Analysis

2024  Journal Article

Identifying Patterns of Tobacco Use in Middle and High School Students in the Dominican Republic: A Latent Class Analysis

Pub TLDR

This study identifies patterns of tobacco use among middle and high school students in the Dominican Republic, revealing five subclasses of users, with the majority being shisha experimenters or poly-tobacco users. The findings suggest that tobacco control strategies should target multiple products and focus on prevention efforts for younger male students.

 

College of Health researcher(s)

OSU Profile

Abstract

The Dominican Republic (DR) has minimal national tobacco control strategies for youth tobacco use. This study seeks to understand how different patterns of tobacco use might occur in groups of Dominican youth. Methods:Â Using Latent Class Analyses, we analyzed the DR’s 2016 Global Youth Tobacco Survey dataset (N= 1,532), a nationally representative school-based survey. We examined two indicators (ever use, past 30-day use) of cigarettes, shishas, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of class membership.

Results

Five subclasses of tobacco users were identified: non-users (58.44%), shisha experimenters (18.55%), poly-tobacco experimenters (10.66%), poly-tobacco users (8.57%), and smokeless tobacco with experimentation (3.79%). Compared to non-users, Shisha experimenters had higher odds of being male, having more spending money, and having observed someone smoking tobacco in their house. Poly-tobacco experimenters and Poly-tobacco users class had higher odds of having observed someone smoking tobacco in their house. Smokeless tobacco, with experimentation of other forms of tobacco, had higher odds of having observed someone smoking tobacco in their house and outside.

Discussion

Our findings indicate that most tobacco users belong to the shisha experimenters or were multiple product experimenters/user classes. This suggests that tobacco control strategies should focus on multiple products and aim prevention efforts toward younger male students.

Abreu, C.A., Sakuma, K. (2024) Identifying Patterns of Tobacco Use in Middle and High School Students in the Dominican Republic: A Latent Class AnalysisCiencia y Salud8(3)
 
Publication FAQ

Dominican Republic Youth Tobacco Use FAQ

What is the current state of tobacco use among youth in the Dominican Republic?

While most Dominican youth have never used tobacco, a significant portion experiment with multiple products. Shisha is the most commonly used product, followed by e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco. Many youth engage in poly-tobacco use, meaning they use more than one type of tobacco product.

Is shisha use a gateway to other tobacco products?

Yes, research suggests that shisha use is often an entry point to other tobacco products. It is often perceived as less harmful and more socially acceptable than other forms of tobacco, which may lead to experimentation with cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco.

What factors influence tobacco use patterns among Dominican youth?

Social modeling plays a significant role. Youth who observe others smoking, particularly in their homes or outdoors, are more likely to experiment with tobacco. This highlights the importance of addressing social norms and creating smoke-free environments to reduce youth exposure to tobacco.

What are the most effective strategies for preventing tobacco use among Dominican youth?

Prevention efforts should focus on:

  • Multiple tobacco products: Given the high prevalence of poly-tobacco use, interventions need to address all forms of tobacco, including shisha, e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco.
  • Social norms: Interventions should aim to change perceptions about tobacco use and create social environments that discourage it.
  • Smoke-free environments: Policies that restrict smoking in public places and homes can reduce youth exposure to tobacco and denormalize its use.

Has the Dominican Republic implemented any tobacco control measures?

Yes, the Dominican Republic has taken some steps to control tobacco use, including:

  • Banning shisha use in enclosed spaces: This measure aims to reduce secondhand smoke exposure.
  • Increasing taxes on tobacco products: This strategy aims to lower the affordability and accessibility of tobacco.
  • Participating in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: This commitment aligns the Dominican Republic with international tobacco control standards.

What are the limitations of the current research on youth tobacco use in the Dominican Republic?

The study relied on cross-sectional data, limiting the ability to track changes in tobacco use patterns over time. Future research using longitudinal data could provide valuable insights into the progression of tobacco use among youth. Additionally, the study did not explore all potential factors influencing tobacco use, such as attitudes, self-efficacy, and the price of tobacco products.

What are the recommendations for future research on youth tobacco use in the Dominican Republic?

Future studies should:

  • Utilize longitudinal data: This will allow researchers to track changes in tobacco use patterns over time and identify risk factors associated with progression to regular use.
  • Include a broader range of variables: Incorporate factors such as attitudes towards tobacco, self-efficacy to resist tobacco use, and the influence of peer pressure.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of existing tobacco control policies: Assess the impact of policies like the shisha ban and increased tobacco taxes on youth tobacco use rates.

What is the overall takeaway message regarding youth tobacco use in the Dominican Republic?

While progress has been made in tobacco control, the high prevalence of shisha use and poly-tobacco use among Dominican youth highlights the need for comprehensive prevention efforts. Strategies targeting multiple tobacco products, addressing social norms, and creating smoke-free environments are crucial to reducing tobacco use and protecting the health of young people in the Dominican Republic.