Patterns of Polytobacco Use among College Students

Objectives: We explored the concurrent usage of multiple tobacco/nicotine products among college students. Methods: An Internet survey of tobacco use was completed by 1437 students attending one of 4 colleges/universities during 2013. Use of any of 8 categories of tobacco products, as well as use of multiple products ("polytobacco use") was examined. Results: Overall, 40.2% of respondents reported use of at least one tobacco/nicotine product and 24.3% reported using 2 or more tobacco products in the past 30 days. Males, binge alcohol drinkers, and marijuana users were more likely to be polytobacco users. Conclusions: The high prevalence of polytobacco use among college students is argument for the expanded monitoring of tobacco product use beyond only traditional cigarettes.