Tobacco use disparities and disability among the US college students

Objective To describe the prevalence of tobacco use among a nationally representative sample of college students with disabilities. Participants: Analyses were conducted on a sample of 6189 college students. Methods: Data from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health were analyzed for ever use, past-month, past-year use of tobacco products, and nicotine dependence. Regression models were conducted to examine the association between tobacco use and disability. Results: Prevalence of tobacco use was higher for students with disabilities. Odds of current tobacco use were higher for students with disabilities (adjusted odds ratio = 1.77) compared to those without disabilities. Students with disabilities also had greater odds of nicotine dependence. Conclusions: The prevalence of tobacco use and nicotine dependence was higher among students with disabilities compared to nondisabled students. As more students with disabilities enroll in postsecondary institutions, services must be provided to these students who are at increased risk for tobacco use.