Population prevalence and correlates of tobacco use among U.S. military veterans.

OBJECTIVES

U.S. military veterans are disproportionately affected by tobacco use. This study examines the prevalence and covariates of tobacco product use (TPU) among veterans using recent nationally representative data.

METHODS

Data from the Tobacco Use Supplement (July 2014, May 2015, July 2018, May 2019, September 2022, May 2023) and Veterans Supplement (August 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023) to the Current Population Survey (CPS) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression examined associations between military experiences and current TPU.

RESULTS

Overall, 20.9 % of veterans reported any current TPU (14.9 % every day; 6.0 % someday), 42.9 % reported former use, and 36.3 % reported never use. Service branch and service-connected disability were associated with TPU. Marines had higher odds of using smokeless tobacco (OR=1.8; 95 % CI: 1.1-3.1) than those in Air Force. Those reporting service-connected disability had higher odds of any TPU (OR=1.3; 95 % CI: 1.1-1.5), smokeless (OR=1.7; 95 % CI: 1.2, 2.5), and using > 1 tobacco product (OR=1.5; 95 % CI: 1.1, 2.0) than those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the need for increased tobacco control resources during and after military service.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: This study informs the public health community of the continued tobacco use disparity among veterans. Targeted interventions and policies to reduce tobacco use among veterans are needed.