The prevalence of light smoking has increased among Latinos. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the 2009 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the authors identified demographic and acculturation-related factors associated with very light smoking, defined as smoking 1 to 5 cigarettes per day (CPD) among Latinos in California and nationwide.

The authors found that among NHANES smokers, those born in Mexico or who lived fewer years in the U.S. were more likely to be very light smokers than 6 or more CPD smokers. Among CHIS smokers, those born in Mexico, in another Spanish-speaking country, or who spent smaller percentages of their life in the U.S. were more likely to be very light smokers.

Findings from this study can be used to design tobacco control media campaigns that include very light smokers.