Light smoking in a predominantly Hispanic college student sample: A 7 day diary assessment

Both Hispanic and college student populations smoke at non trivial rates but less frequently than other smoking groups. Limited information exists about the at risk times for smoking among those who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, particularly college students. Participants (n = 116 young adults) completed a 7 day Tobacco Consumption Diary by recording for each cigarette smoked: time and day, location, number of people present, number of smokers present, mood, and whether alcohol was consumed. Descriptive analyses suggest a variety of psycho-social contexts within which light smoking may occur for a predominantly Hispanic sample of college students. Inferential analyses reveal a somewhat heterogeneous pattern of light smoking. Nevertheless, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as well as later hours of each day in particular are associated with an increased likelihood of smoking. Further study of intra-individual patterns of both Hispanic and college student light smoking is needed to identify the ideographic triggers that can be intervened upon to aid light smokers in cessation.

Research highlights
► Light smoking in Hispanic college students using a 7 day diary format was associated with latter times of day (relative to earlier times of day).
► Light smoking in Hispanic college students using a 7 day diary format was associated with weekend smoking (e.g., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday).
► Descriptive analyses suggested that during times of light smoking, participants reported the frequent presence of alcohol, the primary smoking location of home, and relatively high mood.