Past 30-day E-cigarette Research Articles

Identifying changes in e-cigarette use among a longitudinal sample of Canadian youth e-cigarette users in the COMPASS cohort study, 2017/18–2018/19

ObjectivesThere are few studies describing longitudinal changes in vaping patterns among current youth e-cigarette users. The objective of this study was to identify-one-year changes in e-cigarette use patterns among a longitudinal sample of Canadian youth e-cigarette users between 2017/18 and 2018/19. MethodsThe longitudinal sample included n = 4,071 current (past 30-day) e-cigarette users in grades 9–11 attending schools in four Canadian provinces. Students reported the number of days they used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days in 2017/18 and 2018/19. Based on responses, students could have escalated, reduced, stopped, or maintained their level of vaping. The prevalence of each e-cigarette use pattern was identified across demographic characteristics and regression models identified significant predictors of each use pattern. ResultsOver one year, 49.2% of current youth e-cigarette users escalated, 12.8% reduced, 20.2% stopped, and 17.8% maintained their frequency of e-cigarette use. Baseline e-cigarette use frequencies varied according to use pattern. Current youth e-cigarette users with higher baseline vaping frequencies had lower odds of escalating and stopping e-cigarette use and higher odds of reducing e-cigarette use relative to maintaining the same frequency of use. ConclusionsWhile about half of current youth e-cigarette users increased their frequency of e-cigarette use over a 1-year period, a significant number also decreased or stopped vaping at a time when the prevalence of youth e-cigarette use increased rapidly in Canada. There is a need for longitudinal data to monitor and evaluate changes to e-cigarette use patterns that may be in response to changing public health policies.

Factors Associated With E-Cigarette Quitting Behavior Among Adolescents in the United States: A Prospective Observational Study

PurposeThis prospective observational study examined the association of socioecological factors with quitting behavior among US adolescents who exclusively use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). MethodsWe used data from past 30-day adolescent exclusive e-cigarette users (n = 243) participating in Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study, who were then followed-up with approximately 12 months later for Wave 4. Weighted unadjusted and adjusted multivariate logistic regression models and structural equation modeling were performed to analyze the data. ResultsAdolescents were significantly less likely to quit e-cigarettes if they perceived that nicotine in e-cigarettes was “slightly/somewhat harmful” to health (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16–0.90, p = .02). Similarly, adolescents who reported that someone else in their home owned an e-cigarette (aOR = 0.43 [95% CI: 0.19–0.94], p = .03) or important people in their life used e-cigarettes (aOR = 0.45 [95% CI: 0.21–0.95], p = .03) were significantly less likely to quit e-cigarettes. The structural equation modeling showed a direct significant relationship of individual-level (b = 0.206, p = .02) and interpersonal-level factors (b = 0.170, p = .04) with e-cigarette quitting behavior. DiscussionOur findings suggest that individual-level (harm perception) and interpersonal-level (e-cigarette use at home and by important people) factors may play a significant role in e-cigarette quitting behavior among US adolescents.

Consumption of JUUL vs. Other E-Cigarette Brands among U.S. E-Cigarette Users: Evidence from Wave 5 of the PATH Study.

This study examines the use of JUUL vs. other e-cigarette brands among U.S. youth (12–17 years), young adult (18–24 years), and adult (25 years and above) e-cigarette users. Data were from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study Wave 5 survey (2019). The study population was past 30-day e-cigarette users who knew the brand of e-cigarettes they usually/last used (N = 2569). JUUL use was reported by 65.2% of youth, 60.7% of young adult, and 25.6% of adult e-cigarette users in our study sample. The share of JUUL consumed in the past 30 days, measured by the total number of puffs, was 15.4% by youth, 55.5% by young adults, and 29.1% by adults. By contrast, the share of other e-cigarettes consumed was 4.2% by youth, 28.9% by young adults, and 66.9% by adults. Youth JUUL users were more likely to use e-cigarettes within 30 min after waking (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.12–4.75) than youth users of other brands of e-cigarettes. Additionally, youth e-cigarette users who currently smoked cigarettes were less likely to use JUUL (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30–0.99). This study concludes that JUUL consumption was disproportionally higher among youth and young adults in the U.S. in 2019.

Associations between depression, stress, and e-cigarette use among OEF/OIF veterans

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound mental and behavioral health implications for the general U.S. population. However, little is known regarding outcomes for U.S. veterans, who represent a population with high rates of depression, stress, and e-cigarette use. One month prior to the pandemic-related closures (February 2020), 1230 OEF/OIF veterans (ages 18–40) completed an online baseline survey. Six months later, participants completed a follow-up survey (83% retention rate). Hierarchical negative binomial regressions were used to examine the relationship between baseline depression and past 30-day e-cigarette use at follow-up and whether baseline stress moderated this relationship. Veterans who screened positive for depression or who endorsed higher stress levels reported greater e-cigarette use at follow-up. Stress also moderated the relationship between depression and e-cigarette use, such that regardless of stress levels, a positive depression screen was associated with greater rates of later e-cigarette use. However, for those with a negative depression screen, higher stress levels were associated with greater e-cigarette use relative to lower stress levels. Veterans with pre-pandemic depression and stress may be at highest risk for e-cigarette use. Ongoing assessment and treatment for depression and promoting stress management skills for veterans in e-cigarette use prevention and intervention programs may be valuable.

Patterns in Mental Health Symptomatology and Cigarette, E-cigarette, and Marijuana Use Among Texas Youth and Young Adults Amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

This study examined patterns in mental health symptomatology and smoking and vaping behaviors among youth and young adults over a 1-year period from before to during the first year of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Participants (n = 2148) were 16-24-year-olds who completed three waves of the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance Study (TATAMS). Descriptive statistics and mixed effects logistic regression models were used to examine changes in anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and cigarette, e-cigarette, and marijuana use from before COVID-19 (fall 2019) to 6-month follow-up (spring 2020) and 12-month follow-up (fall 2020) periods during COVID-19. Longitudinal associations between mental health symptomatology and smoking and vaping were examined. Modest increases in symptoms of anxiety and depression were observed from before to during COVID-19. Perceived stress remained high and unchanged. Ever marijuana use increased at 6- and 12-month follow-up, while ever cigarette and e-cigarette use increased significantly only at 12-month follow-up. Marijuana use frequency increased significantly at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Adjusting for sociodemographic factors, increased symptoms of anxiety and depression predicted increases in ever cigarette, e-cigarette, and marijuana use, and past 30-day cigarette and e-cigarette use, but not past 30-day marijuana use. Higher perceived stress predicted increases in ever use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes and past 30-day cigarette use. Changes in mental health symptomatology and smoking and vaping behaviors among young people in Texas varied during this period of the COVID era. Increases in mental health symptomatology predicted increases in cigarette, e-cigarette, and marijuana use behaviors. This study adds to the limited research on the longitudinal impact of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress on cigarette, e-cigarette, and marijuana use from before to during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings warrant health messaging and interventions that address the significant impact of worse mental health on increased smoking and vaping behavior, especially during crises like COVID-19 that may exacerbate mental health and substance use behaviors.

Socioeconomic Differences in Lifetime and Past 30-Day E-Cigarette, Cigarette, and Dual Use: A State-Level Analysis of Utah Youth.

Socioeconomic disparities in combustible cigarette use are well established among youth in the United States and lead to substantial health effects. Given the noteworthy rise in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among youth in recent years, health professionals have expressed concern that e-cigarette use will follow similar socioeconomic patterns. The current study examined this question using a 2019 state-representative sample of youth in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 from Utah (N = 78,740). Logistic regression models estimated associations between neighborhood- and individual-level factors with lifetime and past 30-day e-cigarette, combustible cigarette, and dual use across 267 neighborhoods. After controlling for individual-level sociodemographic factors, results indicated that youth living in higher-poverty neighborhoods were at a significantly increased risk of lifetime e-cigarette, combustible cigarette, and dual use. Additionally, youth living in households with higher levels of education were at a significantly lower risk of lifetime and past 30-day e-cigarette, cigarette, and dual use. Results suggest that e-cigarettes may follow a similar pattern of socioeconomic disparities among youth as combustible cigarettes. Additionally, most youth using combustible cigarettes also used e-cigarettes, suggesting that any potential harms from e-cigarettes may exacerbate existing socioeconomic disparities in health effects from combustible cigarette use. Research should continue to examine individual- and neighborhood-level socioeconomic disparities in youth e-cigarette, combustible cigarette, and dual use.

Internalizing and externalizing problems on the age of e-cigarette initiation in youth: Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH), 2013–2017

Previous research has established an association between internalizing and externalizing problems with e-cigarette use in youth. Secondary analysis of Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health youth waves 1–4(2013–2017). Age of initiation of ever e-cigarette use and age of first report of past 30-day e-cigarette use were prospectively estimated among never e-cigarette users(waves 1–3). Weighted interval-censoring multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fit to assess differences in each e-cigarette outcome among youth with internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as the interaction between internalizing and externalizing problems, while adjusting for covariates. Weighted interval-censoring survival analyses estimated the age of initiation of ever and age of first report of past 30-day e-cigarette use stratified by internalizing and externalizing problems. Among youth never e-cigarette users, those with high internalizing problems and high externalizing problems had increased risk of initiating ever e-cigarette use at earlier ages compared to youth with none/low internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively. Youth with high internalizing problems and high externalizing problems had increased risk of first reporting past 30-day e-cigarette use at earlier ages compared to youth with none/low internalizing problems, respectively. By age 17, 36.3% of youth with high internalizing problems and 38.5% of youth with high externalizing problems initiated ever e-cigarette use. By age 17, 16.8% of youth with high internalizing and 18.7% of youth with high externalizing problems first reported past 30-day e-cigarette use. Youth with internalizing and externalizing problems should be screened for e-cigarette use and provided with proper resources to prevent onset of e-cigarette use.

Substance Use Behaviors Among LGBTQ+ Youth of Color: Identification of the Populations Bearing the Greatest Burden in Three Large Samples

PurposeResearch has identified persistent disparities in alcohol, e-cigarette, and marijuana use, by sexual orientation, gender identity, and race/ethnicity. Using an intersectionality framework, the present study analyzes three large datasets to identify intersecting social positions bearing the highest burden of substance use. MethodsData from adolescents in grades 9–12 in three samples (2019 Minnesota Student Survey, 2017–2019 California Healthy Kids Survey, and 2017 National Teen Survey) were harmonized for an analysis (N = 602,470). A Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection analysis compared the prevalence of four types of substance use across all combinations of four social positions (six racial/ethnic identities, five sexual orientations, three gender identities, and two sexes assigned at birth). For each substance, 10 intersectional groups with the highest prevalence of use were examined. ResultsIn the full sample, 12%–14% of participants reported past 30-day alcohol, e-cigarette, or marijuana use and 7% reported past 30-day binge drinking. Several intersecting marginalized social positions were consistently found to bear a high burden of substance use. For example, transgender and gender diverse (TGD) Latina/x/o young people, particularly those assigned male at birth, were in the high prevalence groups for alcohol use, binge drinking, and marijuana use. Black TGD or gender-questioning youth were commonly in the high prevalence groups. DiscussionFindings suggest that support, resources, and structural changes specifically tailored to youth with multiple marginalized identities (especially TGD) may be needed. The results argue for intersectional efforts that explicitly address racial/ethnic and cultural differences, while also integrating awareness and understanding of sexual and gender diversity.

Preferences, use, and perceived access to flavored e-cigarettes among United States adolescents and young adults

BackgroundCiting concern over youth use, the Food and Drug Administration announced a prioritized enforcement policy against cartridge-based (reusable pod) e-cigarettes in non-menthol, non-tobacco flavors, effective February 2020. Data are needed regarding youth e-cigarette access and use behaviors following this policy. MethodsThis cross-sectional national (USA) online panel survey, conducted March/April 2021, included 2253 participants ages 14–20 who ever used e-cigarettes ≥3 times (73% past 30-day users). Participants reported their flavor preferences, use reasons, and perceived ease of access. Latent class analysis categorized participants according to their preferred e-cigarette flavors, and multinominal logistic regression identified sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of class membership. ResultsMost past 30-day e-cigarette users used reusable pod (77%) or modern disposable (68%) devices, ≥1 non-tobacco (92%), sweet (76%), and/or menthol flavors including fruit-ice (70%) (flavor and device categories not mutually exclusive). Most past 30-day users (70%) and non-users (63%) perceived it would be somewhat or very easy to acquire e-cigarettes in flavors they like. Latent class analysis identified four e-cigarette flavor preference classes: mint (34% of sample), no preference (29%), fruit/sweet (28%), and dislikes ≥1 flavor (10%). Relative to no preference, membership in fruit/sweet (RRR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.57) and mint (RRR: 3.85; 95% CI: 2.77, 5.36) classes was associated with using e-cigarettes ≥50 times. Fruit/sweet membership was inversely associated with combustible tobacco use (RRR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.66). ConclusionYoung e-cigarette users maintained ample access to flavored and cartridge-based products. Stronger access restrictions and enforcement are required to reduce youth e-cigarette use.

Perceived stress and E-cigarette use during emerging adulthood: A longitudinal examination of initiation, progression, and continuation

E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among youth and young adults in the US. Limited research has examined how stress impacts e-cigarette use among young people. We examine the longitudinal associations between perceived stress scale (PSS) score and e-cigarette use behaviors among a diverse cohort of emerging adults. We analyzed two waves of data collected in Fall 2019 (baseline) and Spring 2020 (6-month follow-up) of the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance (TATAMS) system. Participants were classified into three mutually exclusive subsamples at baseline: (1) n = 1177 never e-cigarette users; (2) n = 806 ever but not current (past 30-day) e-cigarette users (i.e., ever users); and (3) n = 257 current (past 30-day) e-cigarette users. Three multivariate logistic regression models examined the relationship between PSS at baseline and: (1) initiation among never users; (2) progression to current use among ever users; and (3) continuation among current users, at 6-month follow-up. PSS scores were standardized using z-scores. Models controlled for race/ethnicity, sex, age, ever marijuana use, and ever use of other tobacco products. Mean age ranged from 18.6 to 19.4 among cohorts. Risk for e-cigarette progression among ever users (aOR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.01–1.69) and e-cigarette continuation among current users (aOR: 1.33 (95%CI: 1.01–1.75) increased with each unit increase in PSS score at baseline. PSS at baseline was not associated with e-cigarette initiation among never users. PSS predicted greater risk of e-cigarette progression and continuation but not initiation among a diverse cohort of emerging adults. E-cigarette prevention and cessation strategies should consider perceived stress an important risk factor for e-cigarette use during emerging adulthood.

Exposure to e-cigarette health claims and association with e-cigarette use and risk perceptions: A cohort study of young adults

IntroductionE-cigarettes have been marketed illicitly as smoking cessation aids and reduced risk tobacco products in the United States. Our study assessed consumers’ exposure to such claims and evaluated their impact on relative risk perceptions and e-cigarette use. MethodsData are from the Assessment of the post-College Experience study, which followed a cohort of young adults since 2010 when they were college freshmen. We used data from survey waves 10 (fall 2017) through 14 (fall 2019) to assess past 6 month exposure to e-cigarette marketing that made smoking cessation or modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) claims. Logistic regression models examined if exposure to claims at waves 11 through 14 were predictors of e-cigarette use and relative risk perceptions at wave 14. ResultsExposure to MRTP (28.4% to 40.1%) and cessation claims (29.1% to 46.6%) increased, with participants reporting more exposure to cessation than MRTP claims at each wave. Multiple exposures were associated with perceptions that e-cigarettes are less harmful compared to cigarettes (Cessation: AOR = 1.12, CI: 1.01–1.23; p = 0.025; MRTP: AOR = 1.16; CI: 1.05–1.29; p = 0.003). Neither claim type was associated with past 30-day e-cigarette use. Claim exposure did not increase e-cigarette initiation among never e-cigarette users. However, current cigarette smokers who had never used e-cigarettes at wave 10 had 2.5 higher odds of initiating e-cigarette use by wave 14 for each exposure to a cessation claim (AOR = 2.53; CI: 1.43–4.45; p = 0.001). ConclusionsYoung adults reported increasing exposure to unauthorized e-cigarette health claims. Exposure was associated with reduced relative risk perceptions, but was not associated with past 30-day e-cigarette use. Cessation claims may motivate current cigarette smokers to try e-cigarettes.

Examining the potential role of e-cigarettes to reduce health disparities associated with menthol cigarette use: Characterizing e-cigarette use, flavors, and reasons for use among US adults smoking menthol cigarettes

IntroductionMenthol cigarette use contributes to disproportionate tobacco-related health disparities amongst minoritized race/ethnic groups. E-cigarettes are available in flavors such as menthol and may be a less harmful substitute among adults who smoke. Yet little is known about e-cigarette flavor preference and reasons for use by race/ethnicity among adults who smoke menthol cigarettes. MethodsNationally representative PATH wave 4 adult data (Dec. 2016-Jan. 2018) were used to examine how menthol cigarette status and race/ethnicity were associated with past 30-day e-cigarette use, flavors used, and reasons for use with adjusted logistic regression models. ResultsMenthol (vs. non-menthol) cigarette use was associated with higher odds of e-cigarette use (AOR=1.33, 95%CI=1.16–1.52). However, non-Hispanic (NH) Black and Hispanic individuals (vs. NH White) had lower odds of e-cigarette use (p’s ≤ 0.004). In terms of flavor used, adults smoking menthol cigarettes and NH Black and Hispanic individuals had greater odds of using menthol/mint-flavored e-cigarettes (p’s ≤ 0.02), and older adults (vs. 18–24-year-olds) had lower odds of using sweet-flavored e-cigarettes (p’s < 0.0001). Regarding reasons for use, adults smoking menthol cigarettes had higher odds of reporting using e-cigarettes due to liking flavors (AOR=1.63, 95%CI=1.30–2.04), while NH Black adults had lower odds of liking flavors (AOR=0.64, 95%CI=0.43–0.96), and Hispanic adults had lower odds of using e-cigarettes to cut down on cigarette smoking (AOR=0.59, 95%CI=0.42–0.83). ConclusionsFindings suggest menthol flavored e-cigarettes may be important for adults who smoke menthol cigarettes, although racial disparities in current e-cigarette use and reasons for use may exacerbate tobacco-related health disparities.

Birth Outcomes Associated With E-Cigarette and Non-E-Cigarette Tobacco Product Use During Pregnancy: An Examination of PATH Data Waves 1-5.

To examine associations of prenatal e-cigarette use to pregnancy and birth outcomes. Currently pregnant women (n = 1 037) from Waves 1 through 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study who had pregnancy or live birth outcome data in a subsequent wave (Waves 2-5; 2013 to 2019). Weighted bivariate and multivariable models\ examined associations between past 30-day tobacco use assessed during pregnancy (any past 30-day e-cigarette use, any past 30-day non-e-cigarette tobacco use, or no past 30-day tobacco use) with adverse pregnancy (miscarriage, abortion, ectopic or tubal pregnancy, stillbirth) and birth outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, birth defect, placenta previa, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia) reported in the subsequent wave. Approximately 1% of pregnant women reported past 30-day exclusive e-cigarette use and 3.2% used e-cigarettes and one other tobacco product. Compared to no tobacco use, past 30-day e-cigarette use (exclusive or use with another tobacco product) during pregnancy was not associated with increased odds of an adverse pregnancy or birth outcome in bivariate or multivariable models. Past 30-day non-e-cigarette tobacco use was associated with increased odds of an adverse pregnancy outcome in multivariable models, but not an adverse live birth outcome. Compared to past 30-day cigarette use, past 30-day e-cigarette use during pregnancy was not associated with lowered odds of a birth or pregnancy outcome. E-cigarette use during pregnancy is rare. Understanding the positive and negative impacts of pre-natal e-cigarette use on women's health may guide public health messaging campaigns. Results showed that past 30-day e-cigarette use during pregnancy was low, with cigarette smoking remaining the most prevalent form of tobacco use during pregnancy. Current e-cigarette use during pregnancy used either exclusively or with another tobacco product, was not associated with increased risk of an adverse pregnancy, or birth outcome. A small sample size of e-cigarette users and limited information on quantity and frequency of e-cigarette use before and during pregnancy may limit conclusions. Healthcare providers may use this information when discussing the harms and consequences associated with e-cigarette and tobacco use during pregnancy.

Tobacco Use Among Gender-Varying and Gender-Stable Adolescents and Adults Living in the United States.

This study examines the proportion of the United States adolescents and adults who are variable (ie, at least one change in gender identity) versus stable in their gender identities over time, and whether they differ significantly in their nicotine/tobacco use after adjusting for key covariates. We fit multivariable logistic regression models to data from Waves 2-4 (2014/15-2016/18) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH), a nationally representative study (n = 33 197 U.S. adolescents and adults aged ≥14 years). We examined associations of gender stability/variability over three waves with tobacco use at wave 4 (2016-2018). Differences in any past 30-day tobacco, cigarette, e-cigarette, other tobacco, and poly-tobacco use were assessed among cisgender-stable, transgender-stable, and gender-varying respondents. An estimated 1.0% of adolescents and adults were classified as gender-varying. Prevalence of any past 30-day tobacco use was higher among gender-varying individuals (42.7%) than among gender-stable individuals (transgender-stable, 37.8% and cisgender-stable, 26.7%). There were no significant differences in the odds of nicotine/tobacco use between the two gender-stable groups. However, gender-varying respondents had significant increased odds of any past 30-day tobacco use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3 to 3.0), cigarette use (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1 to 2.5), e-cigarette use (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.4-3.5), other tobacco use (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.4 to 3.4), and poly-tobacco use (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3 to 3.1) compared with cisgender-stable individuals. Gender-varying individuals are at higher risk for nicotine/tobacco use, placing them at greater risk for tobacco-related health consequences. Despite increased knowledge about transgender health in recent years, there remains a paucity of research about gender-varying individuals. This study is the first to examine the proportion of gender-varying individuals in the United States using a longitudinal, nationally representative sample and to explore differences in nicotine/tobacco use among gender-varying and gender-stable individuals. Our findings suggest that gender-varying people have an increased risk for nicotine/tobacco use, placing them at higher risk for tobacco-related health consequences. This study increases knowledge about nicotine/tobacco use among this under-represented population in research and underscores the importance of developing an awareness of gender diversity.

Association between Inclusion of E-Cigarettes in Statewide Comprehensive Smoke-Free Indoor Air Laws and Vaping Behaviors: Results from a Longitudinal Population Study

Background Several states have included e-cigarettes in their comprehensive smoke-free indoor air laws (i.e., aerosol-free policies), prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes––in addition to combustible tobacco products––in workplaces, restaurants, and bars. However, whether these policies contribute to reductions in e-cigarette use remains largely unknown. Objective This study utilized a nationally representative longitudinal sample to examine the association between the implementation of statewide aerosol-free policies and e-cigarette use behaviors. Methods: This longitudinal retrospective study implemented a quasi-experimental design. Waves 1–4 (2013–2018) restricted-use data from adult participants (weighted N = 22,838,787; unweighted N = 8,663) in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study were analyzed. The generalized difference-in-difference approach along with weighted hurdle and multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to examine the associations between aerosol-free policies and three measures of e-cigarette use (past 30-day e-cigarette abstinence status and number of use days, and past-12-month use frequency) pre- and post-policy implementation. Results Results indicated there were not statistically significant differences in e-cigarette use behaviors between participants living in states with and without the aerosol-free policies (ps ranged from 0.301 to 0.831), considering pre- and post-policy implementation. Conclusions Findings indicated that the effectiveness of the aerosol-free policies on e-cigarette use behaviors was not supported by longitudinal national data. States that have implemented aerosol-free policies should make pertinent efforts to enhance the awareness of these policies and to strengthen their enforcement. Future investigation into e-cigarette use in places where it is prohibited and implications with regard to effectiveness of aerosol-free policies is warranted.

Decreases in smoking and vaping during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders among a cohort of young adults in the United States

In Spring 2020, most US states and territories implemented stay-at-home orders to slow transmission of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2, the cause of COVID-19. Little is known about the impact of stay-at-home orders on tobacco and nicotine use including among young adults. The current study examined participants (N = 1727) completing three recent survey waves from a longitudinal cohort of young adults recruited in 2010 from North Carolina and Virginia, USA: Wave 13 (Spring 2019), Wave 14 (Fall 2019), and Wave 15 (Spring 2020) to assess changes in cigarette and e-cigarette use. We conducted logistic regression analyses to compare the odds that participants reported smoking or vaping in Wave 14 relative to Wave 13 to establish if there was a trend of use pre-pandemic. Then, we conducted logistic regression analyses to compare the odds that participants reported smoking or vaping in Wave 15 relative to Wave 14 to determine the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. When comparing the odds of reporting tobacco use at Wave 14 to Wave 13, no differences emerged (p > 0.05). However, when comparing tobacco use at Wave 15 to Wave 14, participants had 40% lower odds of reporting past 30-day cigarette use (p = 0.02) and 50% lower odds of reporting past 30-day e-cigarette use (p < 0.01). The current study provides initial evidence that young adults may have reduced their tobacco and nicotine use during the stay-at-home orders. However, more work is needed to determine the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tobacco use and cessation in this population.

Can PATH Study susceptibility measures predict e-cigarette and cigarette use among American youth 1 year later?

To investigate whether e-cigarette and cigarette susceptibility predict e-cigarette and cigarette use among American youth 1 year later. Longitudinal data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study-a four-stage, stratified probability cohort study of youth (12-17 years old) sampled from the United States civilian, non-institutionalized population. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between initial product-specific susceptibility and subsequent cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, exposure to nicotine users, and behavioral risk factors. The sample included 8841 adolescent never nicotine users at initial survey who participated in both wave 4 (2016-2017) and wave 4.5 (2017-2018) of PATH. We measured cigarette and e-cigarette susceptibility (defined as a lack of a firm commitment to not use cigarettes or e-cigarettes) among never nicotine users at baseline (wave 4) as well as cigarette and e-cigarette use at 12-month follow-up (wave 4.5). Youth e-cigarette susceptibility was statistically significantly (P < 0.05) associated with e-cigarette use 1year later, for both past 12-month (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.99; 95% CI, 2.29-3.90) and past 30-day e-cigarette use (aOR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.78-4.16), but not with cigarette smoking (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.64-1.73 for past 12-month smoking and aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.29-1.45 for past 30-day smoking. Smoking susceptibility predicted subsequent smoking in the past 12 months (aOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.09-3.03) and past 30 days (aOR, 3.32; 95% CI (1.33-8.29), but not e-cigarette use in the past 12 months (aOR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.77-1.19) or past 30 days (aOR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.82-1.51). E-cigarette and cigarette susceptibility measures appear to predict product-specific use among youth 1year later.

Influence of Flavors and Nicotine Concentration on Nicotine Dependence in Adolescent and Young Adult E-Cigarette Users

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the relationships between e-cigarette flavors, nicotine concentration, and their interaction on measures of nicotine dependence. Methods: Survey data are drawn from a cross-sectional convenience sample of past 30-day e-cigarette users aged 15 to 24 years (N = 2037) collected between October 2020 and November 2020. Participants were asked to provide information about the e-cigarette products they used most regularly. Only those with available information on flavors (fruit, mint, menthol/ice, and tobacco), nicotine concentration (0-2.9%, 3-4.9%, and 5% or greater), and time to first vape after waking (within 30 minutes, greater than 30 minutes) were included in analyses (N = 1430). Generalized linear regression models were used with log link and binary distribution to assess the relationship between flavors, nicotine concentration, and nicotine dependence. Effect modification by nicotine concentration was assessed using an interaction term for flavors by nicotine concentration. Models were adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, gender, and financial situation. Findings: Fruit, mint, and menthol flavor user groups had a very similar dose-response relationship between nicotine concentration and prevalence of vaping within 30 minutes. These groups showed that the prevalence of vaping within 30 minutes gradually increased as nicotine concentration increased. Meanwhile, tobacco flavor user groups demonstrated a decrease in prevalence of vaping within 30 minutes, as nicotine concentration increased. Conclusion: Results highlight the need for understanding how e-cigarette product characteristics like flavors and nicotine concentration can facilitate nicotine dependence to e-cigarettes. Findings suggest that comprehensive e-cigarette product regulation of all flavors and reducing nicotine concentration will help to reduce the risk for nicotine dependence among young people.

Biomarkers of nicotine exposure correlate with the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist among adolescents in California, United States

BackgroundThe Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC) has been used to assess nicotine dependence (loss of autonomy over tobacco) among adolescents. Existing HONC validation studies for non-cigarette products, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), have generally not considered biomarkers of nicotine exposure. MethodsWithin a cross-sectional sample of California (USA) high school students (total N = 1396; mean age 15.2 years; 56% female; 54% Hispanic/Latinx), self-reported past 30-day users of any tobacco (including e-cigarettes) completed a modified 10-item HONC questionnaire and provided saliva samples (N = 318 samples, including N = 234 exclusive past 30-day e-cigarette users). Samples were analyzed for cotinine using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (lower limit of quantification: 1.0 ng/mL). ResultsAcross four categories of HONC score corresponding to an increasing number of reported dependence symptoms (scores: 0, 1, 2–4, 5–10), the prevalence of quantifiable salivary cotinine increased among past 30-day tobacco users (20%, 21%, 38%, 55%, respectively, P-for-trend < 0.001) and among past 30-day exclusive e-cigarette users (15%, 22%, 31%, 42%, respectively, P-for-trend = 0.001). Among participants with quantifiable cotinine levels, HONC total score and cotinine were positively correlated among past 30-day tobacco users (n = 89; Spearman rho = 0.449; P < 0.001) and past 30-day exclusive e-cigarette users (n = 49; Spearman rho = 0.520; P < 0.001). HONC score was also associated with past 30-day frequency of tobacco product use and reported use of tobacco within 30 min of waking. ConclusionsThese results support the validity of HONC to assess nicotine dependence among adolescents. Dependence symptoms may be experienced at low levels of nicotine exposure.

The Longitudinal Impact of Seeing and Posting Tobacco-related Social Media on Tobacco Use Behaviors Among Youth (Aged 12-17): Findings From the 2014-2016 Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

IntroductionThis study examined the impact of seeing and posting tobacco-related content on social media on tobacco use outcomes in youth.MethodsLongitudinal secondary analyses of youth in the nationally representative 2014-2015 Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study were conducted to examine the association between the interaction of (i) seeing and (ii) posting tobacco-related social media content with previous ever use of each tobacco product, and 3 outcomes in 2015-2016: past 30-day e-cigarette use, past 30-day combustible product use, and past 30-day dual use of e-cigarettes and at least one combustible product. Six weighted multiple logistic regression models (2 interaction exposures*3 outcomes) were used to assess these associations, while adjusting for covariates.ResultsAmong youth never users in 2014-2015, seeing tobacco-related social media content was significantly associated with past 30-day e-cigarette use (AOR 1.92; 95% CI= 1.36-2.71), and past 30-day dual use of e-cigarettes and at least one combustible product (AOR= 2.11; 95% CI= 1.08- 4.13) in 2015-2016. Among youth ever users in 2014-2015, posting tobacco-related content on social media was significantly associated with all 3 outcomes: past 30-day day e-cigarette use (AOR= 2.09;95%CI=1.23-3.55), past 30-day combustible product use (AOR=2.86; 95%CI=1.67-4.88), and past 30-day dual use of these products (AOR=3.02;95%CI=1.45-6.31), after adjusting for covariates.ConclusionsSeeing and posting tobacco-related content on social media predicts tobacco use among youth, nationwide. Results suggest that interventions and policies prohibiting tobacco-related content on social media are needed to curb the impact of social media on youth tobacco-use.