Hormonal contraceptive use in smokers: Prevalence of use and associations with smoking motives

Alicia M. Allen, Kim Lundeen, Lynn E. Eberly, Sharon S. Allen, Mustafa al'Absi, Myra Muramoto, Dorothy Hatsukami

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction While endogenous sex hormones influence smoking-related outcomes, little is known about the role of hormonal contraceptives (HCs). This is despite dated estimates suggesting that HC use is prevalent among female smokers. Therefore, we sought to update estimates of the prevalence of HC use among female smokers and explore the association of HC use with various smoking motives (SMs). Methods This online cross-sectional survey recruited female smokers between the ages of 18–35. Survey questions assessed smoking behavior, SMs, use of HCs, and menstrual cycle regularity. Results Participants (n = 734) were, on average (± standard deviation), 20.7 ± 2.7 years old and smoked 7.3 ± 6.7 cigarettes/day. The majority of females reported a history of HC use (85%) and half reported current use (48%). Cyclical HC users (n = 227) scored significantly lower on three SMs compared to naturally-cycling women in the follicular phase (n = 62) and significantly higher on 15 SMs compared to naturally-cycling women in the luteal phase (n = 29). Women on cyclical HCs differed from women on long-acting HCs (n = 128) on two SMs. Further, the naturally-cycling women in the follicular phase scoring significantly higher on 15 SMs compared to those in the luteal phase. Discussion These observations indicate that HC use remains prevalent in female smokers and may influence SMs. Additional research should replicate these observations and explore the implications on smoking cessation outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)187-192
Number of pages6
JournalAddictive Behaviors
Volume77
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Toxicology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Hormonal contraceptive use in smokers: Prevalence of use and associations with smoking motives'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this