The Effects of Discrimination Are Associated With Cigarette Smoking Among Black Males

ABSTRACT

Previous research has demonstrated that experiencing interpersonal discrimination is associated with cigarette smoking. Few studies have examined the relationship between the effects of physical and emotional discrimination and cigarette usage, and none have examined this relationship among Black men. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the effects of physical and emotional discrimination and cigarette smoking. Methods: Data from the Indiana Black Men's Health Study, a community-based sample of adult Black men, was used to conduct multivariate logistic regression to examine the relationship between the physical and emotional effects of discrimination and smoking, net of healthcare and workplace discrimination, age, education, household income, and being married. Results: After adjusting for having an emotional response to discrimination, health care and workplace discrimination, age, education, household income, and being married, males who had a physical response to discrimination (e.g., upset stomach or headache) had higher odds of cigarette use (odds ratio (OR): 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–3.30) than men who did not have a physical response to discrimination. Conclusion: Findings from the study suggest that Black males may use cigarette smoking as a means to mitigate the stress associated with experiences of discrimination. Future research is needed further to explore if and how Black males use cigarette smoking to cope with unfair treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• Smoking
• cigarette use
• discrimination
• men's health

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Funding

Research by the first author was supported by the National Institute of Health training grant T-32DA007292. Research for the last author was supported by a grant from the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (P60MD000214), the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (1R25HL126145), Johns Hopkins 2015 Catalyst Award, and National Institute on Aging (3U01AG032947-07S2).