Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0001-9157-4576
Date of Award
5-1-2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Public Health
First Advisor
Lucy Popova, PhD
Second Advisor
Claire A. Spears, PhD
Third Advisor
Dennis E. Reidy, PhD
Abstract
Tobacco use is a leading public health emergency, with an annual death toll in the United States (US) of nearly 500,000 people. In addition, the US has recently experienced several other public health emergencies. This includes the COVID-19 pandemic, the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use, and the declaration of racism as a public health crisis.
Certain populations are at higher risk for harm associated with tobacco use, such as youth and young adults, those with low socioeconomic status, certain racial and ethnic minoritized groups, and those who live with mental illness. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these inequities. Further research is needed on the relationship between racism and discrimination and tobacco use, youth e-cigarette use in the context of outbreaks, and support of nicotine reduction policies, which can significantly reduce the burden of tobacco-related disease.
Through three distinct yet related studies, these topics were explored. The first study is a qualitative examination of youth e-cigarette use trajectories in the context of COVID-19. We found that youth progress from initiation via family and friends, to social use with family and friends, then to addiction, at which point social use does not matter anymore. The second study assessed the association of experiences of racism and discrimination and smoking behaviors in the context of COVID-19, finding that those who experienced racism and discrimination are more likely to both make a serious quit attempt and to relapse, compared to those who had no experiences of racism or discrimination. The final study looked at support for nicotine reduction in cigarettes and e-cigarettes. We found support for nicotine reduction in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes among participants from four countries.
The purpose of this dissertation was to address the research questions related to tobacco use, with a particular focus on populations at higher risk for harms associated with tobacco use, in the context of COVID-19, which will help reduce the public health burden associated with tobacco use among those who are the most vulnerable, during the time of infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
Recommended Citation
Fairman, Robert T., "Pandemics, Epidemics, and Public Health Crises– Oh My! An Examination of Tobacco Use During Public Health Emergencies." Dissertation, Georgia State University, 2023.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/34891774
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/34891774
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