Objective: To understand reasons for cigarillo initiation and cigarillo manipulation methods among adolescents.
Methods: We conducted surveys in 8 Connecticut high schools to assess reasons for trying a cigarillo and cigarillo manipulation methods. We used multivariable logistic regressions to assess associations with demographics and tobacco use status.
Results: Among ever cigarillo users (N = 697, 33.6% girls, 16.7 years old [SD = 1.14], 62.1% White), top reasons for trying a cigarillo were curiosity (41.9%), appealing flavors (32.9%), because "friends use it" (25.3%), and low cost (22.4%). Overall, 40.3% of ever cigarillo users added marijuana (to create blunts) and 39.2% did not manipulate the product. Endorsement of these reasons for initiation and manipulation methods differed significantly across sex, age, SES and other tobacco use.
Conclusions: Cigarillo regulations should include restricting all appealing flavors, increasing the cost, monitoring the restriction of sales of cigarillos to minors, and decreasing the appeal of cigarillo manipulation.
Keywords: adolescents; cigarillos; initiation; manipulation; policy; prevention; regulations; youth.