A literature review on prevalence of gender differences and intersections with other vulnerabilities to tobacco use in the United States, 2004-2014

Prev Med. 2015 Nov:80:89-100. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.06.009. Epub 2015 Jun 26.

Abstract

This report describes results from a systematic literature review examining gender differences in U.S. prevalence rates of current use of tobacco and nicotine delivery products and how they intersect with other vulnerabilities to tobacco use. We searched PubMed on gender differences in tobacco use across the years 2004-2014. For inclusion, reports had to be in English, in a peer-reviewed journal or federal government report, report prevalence rates for current use of a tobacco product in males and females, and use a U.S. nationally representative sample. Prevalence rates were generally higher in males than in females across all products. This pattern remained stable despite changes over time in overall prevalence rates. Gender differences generally were robust when intersecting with other vulnerabilities, although decreases in the magnitude of gender differences were noted among younger and older users, and among educational levels and race/ethnic groups associated with the highest or lowest prevalence rates. Overall, these results document a pervasive association of gender with vulnerability to tobacco use that acts additively with other vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities should be considered whenever formulating tobacco control and regulatory policies.

Keywords: Cigarettes; Gender differences; Nicotine; Nicotine delivery products; Prevalence; Tobacco; Tobacco control; Tobacco regulation; Vulnerable populations.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / psychology
  • Female
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Factors
  • Tobacco Use / epidemiology
  • Tobacco Use / trends*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult