Use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among U.S. women of reproductive age: Prevalence, reported reasons for use, and toxin exposure

Abstract

Given the rapidly expanding marketplace for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), it is important to monitor patterns of use, particularly among vulnerable populations. This study examined ENDS prevalence, reasons for use (i.e., to help quit smoking and for appealing flavors), and toxin exposure among U.S. women of reproductive age using data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study (2013–17). Exclusive ENDS users, dual users of ENDS and cigarettes, and exclusive cigarette smokers were compared within and between pregnant and not-pregnant women. Among pregnant women, prevalence of exclusive ENDS and dual use was similar (0.8%; 95%CI = 0.4–1.2% vs. 1.4%; 95%CI = 0.9–2.0%, respectively), but exclusive ENDS use was less prevalent than dual use among not-pregnant women (1.1%; 95%CI = 0.9–1.4% vs. 3.7%; 95%CI = 3.3–4.0%, respectively). Most women reported ENDs were used to help quit smoking (66.5–90.0%) and for appealing flavors (57.6–87.4%), and endorsement rates did not differ by use pattern or pregnancy status. Except for metals, toxin exposure was substantially lower for exclusive ENDS users relative to dual users and exclusive cigarette smokers regardless of pregnancy status. Pregnant and not-pregnant U.S. women regularly report using ENDS for help with quitting smoking and for appealing flavors. Although no type or pattern of tobacco/nicotine use is safe, especially during pregnancy, using ENDS exclusively is consistent with lower overall toxin exposure for pregnant and not-pregnant women. This study advances understanding of ENDS use and toxin exposure in women of reproductive age, a population highly vulnerable to the effects of nicotine/tobacco consumption.