Association between exposure to household cigarette smoking behavior and cigarette smoking in Hispanic adults: Findings from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking behavior is highly determined by social influences during childhood and adolescence. This phenomenon has not been fully evaluated in the Hispanic/Latino population. PURPOSE: To examine the association between exposure to household cigarette smoking behavior (HCSB) and adult cigarette smoking among a diverse Hispanic/Latino population living in four US urban centers. The effect of acculturation on cigarette smoking was also evaluated. METHODS: Data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) (n=13,231, ages 18-74years, collected between March 2008 and June 2011) were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: HCSB exposure was an independent risk factor for adult current cigarette smoking in Hispanic/Latinos (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.4, 2.1) after controlling for relevant confounders including socio-demographic and cultural factors. Cubans and Puerto Ricans had the highest prevalence of HCSB exposure (59% and 47% respectively) and highest prevalence of current cigarette smoking (26% and 32%) compared with other Hispanic/Latino groups, (p<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that exposure to HCSB in Hispanics/Latinos living in the US is an independent predictor of adult cigarette smoking, and this association appears to be strongest in Cubans and Puerto Ricans.