Association between electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) device and E-liquid alterations and flavor use with clinical and EVALI-like symptoms

Abstract

Studies reporting clinical symptoms related to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) usage, especially types of devices and e-liquids, are sparse. The sample included 1,432 current ENDS users, ages 18–64, from a nationwide online survey conducted in 2016. ENDS use included device types, nicotine content, flavors, and e-liquid used. Outcomes included any e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI)-like symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, nausea) as well as any clinical symptoms. Of the sample, 50% were female, 23% non-Hispanic (NH) White, 23% NH Black, 54% Hispanic, 18% aged 18–24, 17% LGBTQ, 41% with <$50 K income, 55% 1 + any symptoms, and 33% 1 + any EVALI-like symptoms. Cough and nausea were most prevalent among EVALI-like symptoms (27% and 7.3%, respectively). The proportion having any EVALI-like symptoms was higher in the following groups: younger, Hispanic, current smokers, and current other product users. With multiple adjustments, participants who used refillable devices, varied nicotine content, used flavored products, or made their own e-liquids were more likely to have clinical symptoms than their counterparts. For example, the odds (95% CI) of having 1 + EVALI-like symptoms in participants who used refillable devices with e-liquid pour or e-liquid cartridge replacement were 1.70 (1.13, 2.56) and 1.95 (1.27, 2.99), respectively, compared to the non-refillable group. Use of products (devices and e-liquids) that can be altered and flavored products are associated with higher odds of having clinical symptoms, including EVALI-like symptoms.