Current state of unhealthy living characteristics in Black/African American and Latino populations: Tobacco use

Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2022 Mar-Apr:71:27-36. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2022.04.009. Epub 2022 Apr 29.

Abstract

Over the past six decades, the United States has significantly improved tobacco-related health outcomes through mass efforts in policies, research, and behavioral and clinical interventions. Disparities persist, however, among communities of color who continue to suffer disproportionate rates of cardiovascular disease and other tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. In this review, we synthesize and discuss the tobacco use lifecycle across the lifespan, with special attention paid to socioecological determinants of tobacco-use behavior among Blacks and Latinos. This review summarizes the permeability of tobacco use and tobacco-related determinants across multiple levels of influence, from the individual to the societal, and highlights gaps in the tobacco control and prevention landscape. Given its continued evolution and impact on socially disadvantaged communities, we conclude with recommendations for improving current tobacco research and treatment and prevention efforts.

Keywords: Blacks; Latinos; Racial and ethnic minorities; Risk continuum; Tobacco use lifecycle; Tobacco-related health disparities.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American*
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Racial Groups
  • Tobacco Use / adverse effects
  • Tobacco Use / epidemiology
  • United States / epidemiology