E-Cigarette Use in Young Adult Never Cigarette Smokers with Disabilities: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey.

Nkiruka C Atuegwu,Reinhard C Laubenbacher,Mario F Perez,Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin,Eric M Mortensen,Mark D Litt

doi:10.3390/ijerph18105476

Abstract

Young adult never cigarette smokers with disabilities may be at particular risk for adopting e-cigarettes, but little attention has been paid to these people. This study examines the associations between different types of disability and e-cigarette use in this population. Young adult never-smokers from the 2016–2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey who were either never or current e-cigarette users (n = 79,177) were selected for the analysis. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to select confounders for multivariable logistic regression models. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between current e-cigarette use and different types of disability after incorporating BRFSS survey design and adjusting for confounders. Young adult never-smokers who reported any disability had increased odds (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.18–1.76) of e-cigarette use compared to those who reported no disability. Young adult never-smokers who reported self-care, cognitive, vision, and independent living disabilities had higher odds of e-cigarette use compared to those who reported no disability. There was no statistically significant difference in the odds of e-cigarette use for those reporting hearing and mobility disabilities compared to those who reported no disability. This study highlights the need for increased public education and cessation programs for this population.

Highlights

In recent years, the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, known as ecigarettes, has increased in the U.S, especially in youth and young adults [1]
Among young adult never-smokers who reported any type of disability, 7.7% were current e-cigarette users
Young adult never-smokers who reported self-care, independent living, cognitive and vision disabilities had increased odds of e-cigarette use compared to those who reported no disability

Summary

Introduction

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, known as ecigarettes, has increased in the U.S, especially in youth and young adults [1]. Young adults are more likely to be current e-cigarette users compared to older adults, and a significant percentage of young adults who are never cigarette smokers use e-cigarettes [2,3]. In. 2018–2019, 23% of adult current e-cigarette users were never cigarette smokers and 87%. Of e-cigarette users who were never-smokers were less than 35 years old [3]. The use of e-cigarettes may increase the likelihood of future cigarette smoking, marijuana and non-prescribed drug use [10,11,12].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion