30-day E-cigarette Use Research Articles

E-Cigarette Use and Adult Cigarette Smoking Cessation: A Meta-Analysis.

Objectives. To determine the association between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation.Methods. We searched PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and EMBASE and computed the association of e-cigarette use with quitting cigarettes using random effects meta-analyses.Results. We identified 64 papers (55 observational studies and 9 randomized clinical trials [RCTs]). In observational studies of all adult smokers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.947; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.772, 1.160) and smokers motivated to quit smoking (OR = 0.851; 95% CI = 0.684, 1.057), e-cigarette consumer product use was not associated with quitting. Daily e-cigarette use was associated with more quitting (OR = 1.529; 95% CI = 1.158, 2.019) and less-than-daily use was associated with less quitting (OR = 0.514; 95% CI = 0.402, 0.665). The RCTs that compared quitting among smokers who were provided e-cigarettes to smokers with conventional therapy found e-cigarette use was associated with more quitting (relative risk = 1.555; 95% CI = 1.173, 2.061).Conclusions. As consumer products, in observational studies, e-cigarettes were not associated with increased smoking cessation in the adult population. In RCTs, provision of free e-cigarettes as a therapeutic intervention was associated with increased smoking cessation.Public Health Implications. E-cigarettes should not be approved as consumer products but may warrant consideration as a prescription therapy.

Multi-directional pathways of tobacco and marijuana use, including comorbid use, among a population-based cohort of adolescents in Texas: A six-wave cross-lagged model

PurposePast 30-day tobacco and marijuana use commonly occur among adolescents. It is unclear whether use of one product precedes the other, especially given the new climate surrounding marijuana legalization and the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes. MethodsSix-panel cross-lagged regression models, with six months between each panel/Wave (2014–17), were used to model stability paths, bi-directional paths, and comorbid paths (i.e., correlations) between past 30-day use of marijuana and tobacco products. Data were derived from three cohorts of adolescents (n = 3907; weighted N = 461,069) in 6th, 8th, and 10th grades at baseline. ResultsFew bidirectional relationships between past 30-day tobacco and marijuana use were observed in early adolescence (6th grade). During the middle adolescence developmental period (8th grade), past 30-day marijuana use was prospectively associated with greater risk of past 30-day tobacco use. In late adolescence (10th grade), increased odds of past 30-day marijuana use given prior past 30-day e-cigarette use, and vice versa, were observed. For all cohorts, stability paths were common, especially for past 30-day marijuana use. Comorbid use was common in middle adolescence (8th grade) but small in magnitude. ConclusionsThis is the first study to longitudinally situate comorbid, past 30-day use of tobacco and marijuana and simultaneously examine bi-directional past 30-day use of these products for adolescents. Marijuana use more often and more strongly predicted subsequent tobacco use than the reverse, especially during middle adolescence (13–15 years old). Marijuana use should be considered when creating interventions that address adolescent e-cigarette use in the U.S.

Electronic cigarette use patterns and chronic health conditions among people experiencing homelessness in MN: a statewide survey

BackgroundAdults experiencing homelessness have higher rates of disease and premature morbidity compared to the general population. Tobacco use is a primary contributing factor to these disparities; however, less is known regarding e-cigarette use patterns among adults experiencing homelessness and whether e-cigarettes are used in a manner that is narrowing or widening health disparities. This study aimed to describe the 1) prevalence and trends in e-cigarette use, 2) correlates of e-cigarettes use, and 3) rates of chronic health conditions by product use pattern in a community-based sample of adults experiencing homelessness.MethodsAdults experiencing homelessness in Minnesota were surveyed by self-report in 2015 (n = 3672) and 2018 (n = 4181) regarding e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use, potential correlates of e-cigarette use, and self-reported chronic health conditions (i.e., asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer).ResultsFrequency of use increased from 2015 to 2018 for combustible cigarettes (66.9% vs. 72.3%), e-cigarettes (11.4% vs. 14.5%), and dual combustible/e-cigarette use (10.2% vs. 12.9%). The strongest bivariate correlates of past 30-day e-cigarette use were younger age, non-binary gender identification, non-heterosexual orientation, identification as White/Caucasian, greater frequency of lifetime homelessness, substance use, lack of regular place for medical care, mental health diagnosis, criminal justice involvement, and combustible cigarette smoking. Dual users had significantly higher rates of asthma and cancer than both those using combustible cigarettes and those using neither combustible nor e-cigarettes.ConclusionsDuring a time when cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, and dual use were decreasing in the general population in Minnesota, rates increased in the homeless population. We observed that the rates of dual use were more than five times greater among homeless adults compared to the general population in 2018. Correlates of e-cigarette use were identified and should be used to identify subpopulations for intervention targeting. Mechanisms of the relationship between dual use and increased risks of health conditions deserve further study.

E-cigarette use among adults in China: findings from repeated cross-sectional surveys in 2015–16 and 2018–19

The use of e-cigarettes among adults is increasing globally. Since 2018, policies in China have restricted e-cigarette use; however, little information is available on the national trend in e-cigarette use before regulations were implemented. Therefore, we sought to estimate the trend in e-cigarette use in China before policy implementation and explored associated factors. We assessed two nationally representative cross-sectional datasets from the China Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance (CCDNS) surveys initiated in 2015 (June, 2015, to May, 2016) and 2018 (August, 2018, to June, 2019). The surveys were done at 298 national disease surveillance points in 31 provinces in mainland China, and used a multistage, stratified, cluster-randomised sampling design, recruiting community-based Chinese adults aged 18 years and older. Within the standard CCDNS survey, face-to-face questionnaire interviews were used to collect self-report data on e-cigarette use in the preceding 30 days. E-cigarette users were those who self-reported e-cigarette use on 1 day or more in the past 30 days. Prevalence estimates of past 30-day e-cigarette use were weighted to represent the Chinese adult population accounting for the complex sampling design. Populations for the years 2015-16 and 2018-19 were standardised with the 2010 population census to gain comparable estimates. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, urban or rural residence, household income, occupation, and education level were applied to identify factors associated with the likelihood of e-cigarette use among the total population, ever smokers (current and former), and never smokers across both surveys. Our study included 189 306 Chinese adults from the 2015 survey (100 405 [53·0%] women; mean age 43·6 years [SD 14·6]) and 184 475 Chinese adults from the 2018 survey (102 373 [55·5%] women; mean age 43·4 years [13·9]). The weighted prevalence of past 30-day e-cigarette use among Chinese adults increased from 1·3% (95% CI 1·1-1·5%) in 2015-16 to 1·6% (95% CI 1·4-1·8%) in 2018-19 (an increase of 0·3% [95% CI 0·1-0·6]; Rao-Scott χ2 p=0·0086). Based on weighted proportion data, e-cigarette users were predominantly men (97·4% [95% CI 96·7-98·1] in 2015-16 and 97·0% [95·4-98·6] in 2018-19) and current conventional smokers (93·0% [90·7-95·2] in 2015-16 and 96·2% [95·1-97·3] in 2018-19). Across both surveys, the odds of e-cigarette use were significantly associated with obesity (odds ratio 1·6 [95% CI 1·3-2·1]; p=0·0007), awareness of smoking hazards (1·2 [1·0-1·4]; p=0·022), and smoking status (in current smokers, 135·2 [87·7-208·6]; and in former smokers, 33·5 [21·3-52·7]; p<0·0001). Among current smokers, the odds were increased with daily cigarette consumption (2·1 [1·5-2·8]; p<0·0001), smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day (1·8 [1·5-2·3]; p<0·0001), and an attempt to quit smoking (within the past 12 months, 1·9 [1·5-2·4]; and before the past 12 months, 1·5 [1·3-1·9]; p<0·0001). In never smokers, the odds were increased in those aware of the hazards of smoking (2·4 [1·2-4·7]; p=0·011). E-cigarette use in China remains low but has increased substantially between 2015 and 2019. Our study identified increased e-cigarette use among subpopulations, and use patterns, that warrant further attention from public health policy makers in China. Chinese Central Government, National Key Research and Development Program of China.

Understanding pathways to e-cigarette use across sexual identity: A multi-group structural equation model

This study explored the relationships between sexual violence, smoking behaviors, suicidality and past 30-day e-cigarette use under the theoretical framework of Minority Stress Theory. The 2017 National Youth Risk Behavioral Survey was utilized to study a nationally representative sample of sexual minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and unsure) and heterosexual high school students (N = 7882). Multi-group structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine whether sexual violence and suicidality had a direct effect on e-cigarette use, after controlling for prior smoking behaviors (cigarette, cigar, and marijuana use). Suicidality and smoking behaviors were examined as mediators of the relationship between sexual violence and e-cigarette use, and suicidality was examined as a mediator of the relationship between sexual violence and smoking behaviors. This model was tested for invariance across sexual minority and heterosexual students. For both groups, smoking behaviors had significant direct effects on e-cigarette use, yet suicidality revealed no significant direct effects. Both suicidality and sexual violence had significant indirect effects on e-cigarette use through their effects on smoking behaviors. Sexual violence had a significant direct effect on e-cigarette use for sexual minority students, but not for heterosexual students. Despite this notable difference, the model was found to be invariant across the two groups. These findings suggest that students who report sexual violence may experience suicidality and victimization may lead to smoking behaviors and e-cigarette use. Students’ mental health and substance use behaviors should continue to be targeted in schools, particularly among sexual minority youths.

E-cigarette use behaviors and device characteristics of daily exclusive e-cigarette users in Maryland: Implications for product toxicity.

INTRODUCTIONFew studies to date have characterized daily exclusive e-cigarette users, device characteristics, and use behaviors. This study describes daily e-cigarette user characteristics, and assesses the association between user behaviors and demographics.METHODSFrom 2015–2017, 100 daily exclusive e-cigarette users and 50 non-users were recruited in Maryland, USA. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, e-cigarette/tobacco use behaviors, device characteristics, and reasons for e-cigarette use were collected by interview. Chi-squared tests (categorical variables), Student’s t-test (continuous variables), and linear regressions were used to assess relationships between variables.RESULTSMost daily exclusive e-cigarette users were men, White, former smokers, used MODs/tanks, and vaped on average 365 puffs/day (SD: 720). A third of users first vaped within 5 minutes of waking in the morning, and 56% vaped throughout the day. E-liquid consumption ranged from 5–240 mL/week (median: 32.5), with nicotine concentration 0–24 mg/mL (median: 3). E-cigarette users were more likely to report wheezing/whistling and hypertension than controls, although the finding was not statistically significant after adjustment. Less than half planned to quit vaping.CONCLUSIONSDaily e-cigarette users between 2015–2017 most commonly vaped MOD/tank devices. Being male and of lower education was associated with higher usage. Daily users with no intention to quit may be at risk for increased exposure to emissions from e-cigarettes that include inorganic (metals) and organic (e.g. acrolein, formaldehyde) compounds with known toxic effects, particularly to the lung. Further research is needed to characterize the long-term health effects of daily e-cigarette use.

Adolescent E-Cigarette Onset and Escalation: Associations With Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms

PurposeWe sought to evaluate if internalizing symptoms (i.e., anxiety and depression) and/or externalizing symptoms (i.e., impulsivity, sensation seeking, and substance use) were risk factors for the onset of 30-day e-cigarette use and escalation in the number of days used across the following 30 months among adolescents. MethodsAdolescents (N = 1,808) from public high schools outside Philadelphia, PA, completed in-classroom surveys at wave 1 (fall 2016, beginning of ninth grade) and at 6-month intervals for the following 30 months (spring 2019, end of 11th grade). ResultsA two-part latent growth curve model of e-cigarette use revealed significant positive associations between externalizing factors, past 30-day e-cigarette use, and the number of days of e-cigarette use only at wave 1 (p values <.05). Cigarette smoking was associated with a slowing in the rate of onset of 30-day e-cigarette use across the 30-month follow-up (β = −.24, z = −2.41, p = .02). Depression was associated with an increased rate of escalation in the number of days of e-cigarette use across the following 30 months (β = .01, z = 2.52, p = .01), whereas anxiety was associated with a decreased rate (β = −.72, z = −2.36, p = .02). ConclusionsThe findings highlight two groups of adolescents at risk for e-cigarette use: adolescents whose e-cigarette use reflects a higher-risk profile with early e-cigarette onset, and adolescents who have a lower-risk profile, at least initially, with later e-cigarette use onset. The timing and content of prevention efforts should be tailored to each group.

Does having one or more smoking friends mediate the transition from e-cigarette use to cigarette smoking: a longitudinal study of Canadian youth.

Studies have shown consistent associations between youth e-cigarette use and subsequent smoking uptake. However, it remains unclear why, as limited evidence exists regarding the mechanisms underlying these associations. Our study investigated whether having one or more smoking friends mediated the association between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking onset among a longitudinal sample of Canadian youth who were never smokers at baseline. A longitudinal sample of youth that participated in three waves of the COMPASS study (2015-2016 to 2017-2018) was identified (N = 5,535). The product of coefficients method was used to assess whether having one or more smoking friends mediated the association between: (1) past 30-day e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking onset and (2) past 30-day e-cigarette use and subsequent dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes. Having one or more smoking friends did not mediate the association between (1) past 30-day e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking onset (β = 0.38, 95% CI -0.12, 0.89) or (2) past 30-day e-cigarette use and subsequent dual use (β = 0.46, 95% CI -0.16, 1.07). Post hoc tests indicated that smoking friends significantly predicted past 30-day e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking at wave 3 (aOR 1.68 and 2.29, respectively). Having smoking friends did not explain the association between e-cigarette use and smoking uptake despite being a common risk factor for both e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking. Prevention efforts should consider how best to incorporate effective programming to address these social influences.

Cigarette smoking and E-cigarette use among young adults in the United States: Findings from the 2016–18 behavioral risk factor surveillance system

Because there are few proven smoking cessation approaches for young adults, it is critical to consider the potential of e-cigarettes as an option. Evidence from 2012 to 2013 in the United States (U.S.) suggested that current e-cigarette use was associated with a higher probability of daily smoking and a lower probability of quitting among young adults. This study examines the associations between e-cigarette use frequency and cigarette smoking in more recent data. Data on e-cigarette use were available for 32,656 current smokers and 9,565 past-year quitters ages 18–34 in the 2016–2018 U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Participants were categorized as “daily”, “non-daily”, “former”, or “never” e-cigarette users. Adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated to test the associations between e-cigarette use and each of daily smoking and past-year cessation. With e-cigarette never-users as the reference: 1) daily e-cigarette users were 30% (95%CI 0.61–0.79) less likely to be daily smokers; non-daily and former e-cigarette users were 8% (95%CI 1.02–1.15) and 16% (95%CI 1.11–1.21) more likely to be daily smokers, respectively; 2) daily e-cigarette users were 54% (95%CI 1.38–1.73) more likely to have quit in the past year; non-daily and former e-cigarette users were 50% (95%CI 0.42–0.59) and 21% (95%CI 0.73–0.86) less likely to have quit in the past year, respectively. The findings suggest that non-daily e-cigarette use was associated with greater frequency of smoking and less quitting whereas daily e-cigarette use was associated with a lower frequency of smoking and more quitting among young adults in 2016–18.

Assessing how the history of e-cigarette and cigarette use are associated with the developmental course of marijuana use in a sample of United States adolescents

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine the developmental course of marijuana use among adolescents based on their history of cigarette and e-cigarette use among a national U.S. sample of adolescents who were followed over a four year time-period. MethodsThe data for this study used four waves of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study provided by a panel of 12 to 17-year-olds at Wave 1 (n = 11,059) who completed each of the four annual waves of the adolescent/adult survey. We examined recent use (i.e., past 30-day) of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and marijuana use at each of the four waves. ResultsRespondents who had a history of non-concurrent dual use (AOR = 1.67, 95 % CI = 1.24, 2.24) and a history of concurrent dual use (AOR = 1.67, 95 % CI = 1.40, 1.99) had greater odds of past 30-day marijuana use when compared to respondents who had a history of past 30-day e-cigarette use only. Interaction effect models found that e-cigarette only users were at lower risk for past 30-day marijuana use at Wave 1, however, the risk of past 30-day marijuana use increased at a faster rate across the four waves for e-cigarette only users when compared to their peers who used cigarettes or a combination of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. ConclusionWhile concurrent and non-concurrent dual use was strongly associated with marijuana use over the study period, marijuana use increased at a faster rate across the four-year span of the study among e-cigarette only users.

Prospective associations of e-cigarette use with cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, and nonmedical prescription drug use among US adolescents

BackgroundAs e-cigarette use continues to increase in the U.S., research is needed to understand its prospective risk for cigarette smoking and other substance use in young adulthood, including alcohol, marijuana, and nonmedical prescription drugs (NMPDs). MethodsThis study used data from the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study a nationally representative annual survey of 12th graders (modal age 18) in the US. The analytic sample included 2014–2016 MTF cohorts that were selected and completed follow up one year later (modal age 19; n = 717). Using logistic regression, we examined cross-sectional and prospective associations of past 30-day e-cigarette use with past 30-day cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, and NMPD use. We examined prospective associations among the full sample and associations with incidence of each of these substances among those who reported no history of use in 12th grade. ResultsIn cross-sectional analysis, those who reported past 30-day e-cigarette use at age 18 were more likely to report past 30-day cigarette use, alcohol use, marijuana use, and NMPD use at age 19. In multivariable longitudinal analysis, past 30-day e-cigarette users at age 18 were more likely to report past 30-day cigarette, marijuana, and NMPD use at age 19, including e-cigarette users who had no history of using these substances at age 18. ConclusionsThis study suggests that e-cigarette use may be an indicator of future substance use risk in young adulthood. Adolescent e-cigarette users may benefit from secondary prevention efforts to mitigate this risk.

Changes in adults’ vaping and smoking behaviours associated with aerosol-free laws

ObjectivesBanning e-cigarette use in public places has attracted considerable debate, with governments adopting different policies. However, little is known about the outcomes of such bans. We investigated the association of...

Role of e-cigarettes and pharmacotherapy during attempts to quit cigarette smoking: The PATH Study 2013-16.

BackgroundMore smokers report using e-cigarettes to help them quit than FDA-approved pharmacotherapy.ObjectiveTo assess the association of e-cigarettes with future abstinence from cigarette and tobacco use.DesignCohort study of US sample, with annual follow-up.ParticipantsUS adult (ages 18+) daily cigarette smokers identified at Wave 1 (W1; 2013–14) of the PATH Study, who reported a quit attempt before W2 and completed W3 (n = 2443).ExposuresUse of e-cigarettes, pharmacotherapy (including nicotine replacement therapy), or no product for last quit attempt (LQA), and current daily e-cigarette use at W2.AnalysisPropensity score matching (PSM) of groups using different methods to quit.Outcome measures12+ months abstinence at W3 from cigarettes and from all tobacco (including e-cigarettes). 30+ days abstinence at W3 was a secondary outcome.ResultsAmong daily smokers with an LQA, 23.5% used e-cigarettes, 19.3% used pharmacotherapy only (including NRT) and 57.2% used no product. Cigarette abstinence for 12+ months at W3 was ~10% in each group. Half of the cigarette abstainers in the e-cigarette group were using e-cigarettes at W3. Different methods to help quitting had statistically comparable 12+ month cigarette abstinence at W3 (e-cigarettes vs no product: Risk Difference (RD) = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.06; e-cigarettes vs pharmacotherapy: RD = 0.02, 95% CI:-0.04 to 0.09). Likewise, daily e-cigarette users at W2 did not show a cessation benefit over comparable no-e-cigarette users and this finding was robust to sensitivity analyses. Abstinence for 30+ days at W3 was also similar across products.LimitationsThe frequency of e-cigarette use during the LQA was not assessed, nor was it possible to assess continuous abstinence from the LQA.ConclusionAmong US daily smokers who quit cigarettes in 2014–15, use of e-cigarettes in that attempt compared to approved cessation aids or no products showed similar abstinence rates 1–2 years later.

Patterns of Use of Vaping Products Among Smokers: Findings from the 2016-2018 International Tobacco Control (ITC) New Zealand Surveys.

Alternative nicotine products like e-cigarettes could help achieve an end to the epidemic of ill health and death caused by smoking. However, in-depth information about their use is often limited. Our study investigated patterns of use of e-cigarettes and attitudes and beliefs among smokers and ex-smokers in New Zealand (NZ), a country with an ‘endgame’ goal for smoked tobacco. Data came from smokers and ex-smokers in Waves 1 and 2 of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) NZ Survey (Wave 1 August 2016–April 2017, 1155 participants; Wave 2, June–December 2018, 1020 participants). Trial, current and daily use of e-cigarettes was common: daily use was 7.9% among smokers and 22.6% among ex-smokers in Wave 2, and increased between surveys. Use was commonest among 18–24 years and ex-smokers, but was similar among Māori and non-Māori participants, and by socio-economic status. Most participants used e-cigarettes to help them quit or reduce their smoking. The most common motivating factor for use was cost and the most common barrier to use cited was that e-cigarettes were less satisfying than smoking. The findings could inform developing interventions in order to maximise the contribution of e-cigarettes to achieving an equitable smoke-free Aotearoa, and to minimise any potential adverse impacts.

Association between school-based tobacco retailer exposures and young adolescent cigarette, cigar and e-cigarette use

BackgroundAssociations between retail tobacco availability and tobacco use have been mixed. This study examined associations between school-based retail environment exposures and current use of cigarettes, cigar products and e-cigarettes among...

Changes from 2017 to 2018 in e-cigarette use and in ever marijuana use with e-cigarettes among US adolescents: analysis of the National Youth Tobacco Survey.

To examine changes from 2017 to 2018 in e-cigarette use and ever marijuana use with e-cigarettes among US adolescents. Analysis of data from the 2017 and 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), cross-sectional surveys of US middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) students. United States. US adolescent population from middle school, with mean age=12.7 [standard deviation (SD)=1.0] years, and high school, with mean age=16.1 (SD=1.3) years. Analysis of e-cigarette use and ever use of marijuana with e-cigarettes according to frequency of use and smoking status, comparing 2017 with 2018. Frequent smoking and e-cigarette use was defined as use for ≥20 of the past 30days. Past 30days e-cigarette use was reported by 33.1% [95% confidence interval (CI)=29.1-37.4%] of ever/no past 30days smokers, 68.6% (95% CI=64.1-72.7%) of past 30days smokers and 7.2% (95% CI=6.3-8.2%) of never smokers in 2018 and by 19.3% (95% CI=16.1-23.1%), 53.0% (95% CI=46.9-58.9%) and 3.3% (95% CI=2.7-4.4%) in 2017, respectively (all P<0.001). Prevalence of past 30days e-cigarette use was higher among frequent smokers (69.8%, 95% CI=62.3-76.5% in 2018; 53.8%, 95% CI=44.1-63.2% in 2017, P<0.001) and lower among never smokers. Most of the latter were infrequent users, while frequent and daily e-cigarette use was 18- and 24-fold lower compared with ever smokers, respectively. Approximately half of past 30days and 70% of frequent e-cigarette users reported ever marijuana use with e-cigarettes in both years. Past 30days smokers were more likely to report past 30days e-cigarette use [odds ratio (OR)=15.79, 95% CI=12.58-19.83 in 2018; OR= 16.11, 95% CI=12.44-20.86 in 2017) compared with adolescents reporting no past 30days smoking. Among US adolescents, e-cigarette use increased in all smoking groups in 2018 compared with 2017. Frequent and daily e-cigarette use was far lower in never-smokers compared with ever-smokers. High prevalence of ever marijuana use with e-cigarettes was observed.

Up in Smoke: Exploring the Relationship between Bullying Victimization and E-Cigarette Use in Sexual Minority Youths

Background E-cigarette use is increasing in popularity for high school students (Singh et al., 2016) and may be accompanied by negative health outcomes (Rankin et al., 2019). Students who identify as sexual minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer/questioning) may be at an increased risk of bullying victimization and substance use due to their sexual identity (Caputi, 2018). Purpose/Objectives: This study explored the relationship between bullying in school and cyberbullying (i.e. bullying through social media) victimization with past 30-day e-cigarette use for sexual minority youths, an at-risk group for victimization and its negative consequences. Methods: The Youth Risk Behavioral Survey was utilized to study a sample of sexual minority high school students (N = 2302; 69.4% female). Three models were utilized to examine whether bullying in school or cyberbullying victimization were related to e-cigarette use after controlling only for demographics in the demographics model, and then the use of other substances in the substance use model. Cigarette use was combined with e-cigarettes as the dependent variable in the third comparative model. Results: After controlling for age, race, sex, sexual identity, and other substance use, bullying victimization in school and online were significantly related to current e-cigarette use together but not separately. Cyberbullying victimization was significantly related to combined cigarette and e-cigarette use. Conclusions/Importance: These findings suggest that sexual minority students who report cyberbullying victimization may use cigarette products more than their noncyberbullied peers. Cyberbullying prevention and interventions should continue to be targeted in schools, especially for sexual minority youths.

Patterns of electronic cigarette, conventional cigarette, and hookah use and related passive exposure among adolescents in Kuwait: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTIONUse of tobacco products among adolescents is a major global public health concern. Given the changing landscape of tobacco product use and the lack of epidemiologic data to inform tobacco prevention and control strategies in Kuwait, this study sought to estimate the prevalence and patterns of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), conventional cigarette, and hookah use among adolescents in Kuwait. Moreover, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and secondhand aerosol (SHA) from e-cigarettes was assessed.METHODSThis cross-sectional study enrolled high school students (n=1565; 16–19 years) across Kuwait. Current (past 30-day) use of e-cigarettes, conventional cigarettes, and hookah were assessed through self-reported data. Additionally, current (past 7-day) exposure to SHS and SHA in households and public places were ascertained. Associations were evaluated using Poisson regression, and adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.RESULTSOverall, 26.4% (402/1525), 25.1% (383/1525), and 20.9% (318/1525) of the study participants were current e-cigarette users, conventional cigarette smokers, and hookah smokers, respectively. Current use of any tobacco product was reported by 35.1% (535/1525) of the total study participants. The prevalence of concurrent triple use of ‘e-cigarettes, conventional cigarettes, and hookah’ was estimated to be 12.8% (195/1525). Also, among the study participants, 41.9% (619/1479) were exposed to household SHS, 32.0% (469/1465) were exposed to household SHA, and 62.2% (916/1472) were exposed to SHS and/or SHA in public places. Male adolescents were more likely than females to be current e-cigarette users (APR=5.19; 95% CI: 4.09–6.57), conventional cigarette smokers (APR=5.42; 95% CI: 4.26–6.90), and hookah smokers (APR=3.43; 95% CI: 2.72– 4.32).CONCLUSIONSA substantial proportion of adolescents in Kuwait are currently using tobacco products and being exposed to SHS/SHA. The findings emphasize the need to continue monitoring all forms of tobacco product use among adolescents and to strengthen tobacco prevention and control programs.

Why Are National Estimates So Different? A Comparison of Youth E-Cigarette Use and Cigarette Smoking in the MTF and PATH Surveys

We compared estimates of adolescents' nicotine product use and perceptions of harm from two national surveys: Monitoring the Future (MTF) and Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH). We explored one explanation for the different estimates for nicotine product use and adolescents' perceptions of harm. We used data source triangulation examining 30-day e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking, beliefs about harm, and friends' use of these products in two samples of adolescents from the 2015-2016 MTF and PATH samples. Differences were found, with MTF reporting higher prevalence rates in both past-30-day e-cigarette use (12.4% vs. 6.7%) and cigarette smoking (8.6% vs. 5.1%) when compared with PATH. Differences were significant at the .001 alpha level. MTF respondents were less likely than PATH respondents to view both e-cigarettes (17.7% vs. 48.6%) and cigarettes (75.6% vs. 82.4%) as harmful. The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) shows that PATH respondents had significantly lower odds of indicating either e-cigarette (OR = 0.509, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.400, 0.648]) or cigarette smoking (OR = 0.571, 95% CI [0.433, 0.753]) when compared with MTF respondents. However, these differences in e-cigarette use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.849, 95% CI [0.630, 1.144]) and cigarette smoking (AOR = 0.829, 95% CI = [0.578, 1.189]) were mediated when additional predictors were included in the model (i.e., friends use, risk of harm). Substantial differences were found between national surveys estimating population rates of e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking. Data source triangulation allowed for new explanations for several of the disparate nicotine use estimates between MTF and PATH.

Combustible and electronic cigarette use among patients at a large academic dental school clinic: A preimplementation needs assessment survey

BackgroundTobacco product use is a significant public health concern, particularly with the increasing use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (electronic cigarettes [e-cigarettes]). Dental care providers are well positioned to screen and provide guidance regarding tobacco use, but these services are generally underused. MethodsIn preparation for a quality improvement project, patients at a large academic dental school clinic were anonymously surveyed regarding past and current use of combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes, attitudes about quitting, and health beliefs regarding these products. ResultsAmong 166 surveyed patients, past month use of combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and both combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes (dual use) was reported by 14.5%, 2.4%, and 5.4% of patients, respectively. Daily combustible cigarette, e-cigarette, and dual use was reported by 12.7%, 1.2%, and 1.8% of patients, respectively. Most current tobacco users expressed thoughts or plans about changing their tobacco use and concerns regarding continued use of these products on their oral health. More than one-half of the current tobacco users expressed interest in receiving additional support to help them quit. ConclusionsDental care providers see a sizable number of patients who use combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes, many of whom are concerned about the potential harms of these products on their health and express interest in tobacco-use cessation support. Practical ImplicationsIt is critical that dental care professionals engage in efforts to assess combustible cigarette and e-cigarette use and provide guidance regarding these products to their patients.