Electronic nicotine delivery system dual use and intention to quit smoking: Will the socioeconomic gap in smoking get greater?

"No Medication Means No HIV Diagnosis": A Qualitative Study Based on Dual-System Theory on HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Decision-Making

At least 30% of newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLHIV) have delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation globally, resulting in irreversible impaired immune function and increased risk of HIV transmission. This study aimed to explore the decision-making process of ART initiation in China. A phenomenological research design was used and semi-structured, in-depth interviews based on dual-system theory were conducted. Participants were selected using purposive sampling between December 11, 2021 and June 25, 2022. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was performed utilizing the software NVivo 12. A total of 34 PLHIV were interviewed. The heuristic system and the analytic system were involved in the complex decision-making process for ART initiation. Acceptability, negative emotion, and stigma were all parts of the heuristic system. The analytic system included the perception of ART benefits, positive support, and misconception. Two systems interacted with each other in the decision-making of ART initiation. PLHIV's initiation decision was determined by the components of the dominant system. This theory-driven qualitative study provided valuable insights on the decision-making process of ART initiation among newly diagnosed PLHIV.

Reasons for using e-cigarettes among adults who smoke: comparing the findings from the 2016 and 2020 ITC Korea Surveys

INTRODUCTION

Dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes is a growing usage pattern in adults, but little is known about the motivations underlying this trend. We investigated the reasons for e-cigarette use among adults who smoke, considering variation in sociodemographic subgroups.

METHODS

This repeated cross-sectional study analysed adults who smoked at least weekly and vaped at any frequency. Data were from the International Tobacco Control Korea Surveys conducted in 2016 (n=164) and 2020 (n=1088). Fourteen reasons for e-cigarette use were assessed in both waves. Subgroup analyses were performed by age, sex and educational level.

RESULTS

The top reasons for e-cigarette use in 2020 were curiosity (62.8%), less harmful than smoking (45.4%) and taste (43.2%). Curiosity was the most cited across age, sex and education subgroups. Significant differences were observed in 2020 compared with 2016, with lower percentages in goal-oriented reasons: helping quit smoking (36.3% vs 48.9%; p=0.017), helping cut down smoking (35.3% vs 52.7%; p=0.001), less harmful to others (39.0% vs 54.6%; p=0.003) and more acceptable (31.6% vs 61.2%; p<0.001). By contrast, non-goal-oriented reasons showed higher percentages in 2020, such as curiosity (62.8% vs 27.9%; p<0.001), taste (43.2% vs 22.1%; p<0.001) and enjoyment (26.8% vs 8.6%; p<0.001). In 2020, a majority of adults who smoked and vaped (53.3%) reported no intention to quit or reduce smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

E-cigarette use for curiosity and pleasure predominated among adults who smoked. The reasons for dual use in adults have shifted from goal-oriented to non-goal-oriented.

Predictors of Quitting Dual Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Cigarettes During Pregnancy

Background and Aims: There is limited research surrounding dual maternal use of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). We aimed to assess predictors of maternal quitting of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and both during late pregnancy. Materials and Methods: We analyzed dual use (n = 4,006) and exclusive e-cigarette use (n = 1,685) among mothers using data from the 2016 to 2019 phase of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring Systems (PRAMS), a nationally representative sample of the United States. Dual use and exclusive e-cigarette use were defined based on use reported during the 3 months before pregnancy and quitting was assessed during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Multinomial and binomial logistic regression models estimated the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for predictors of quitting status among mothers who reported dual use and exclusive e-cigarette use, respectively. Separate predictor analyses were conducted in the dual and exclusive e-cigarette use groups to see predictors of quitting e-cigarettes, cigarettes, or both. Results: The highest proportion of mothers who used cigarettes and e-cigarettes before pregnancy quit both during late pregnancy (46.2%), followed by those who quit e-cigarette use only (26.5%) and those who quit cigarette use only (6.6%). Among mothers who reported dual use, those who were African American or Asian, of Hispanic ethnicity, consumed alcohol before pregnancy, had higher education, were married, had diabetes, had higher annual household income, had nongovernmental health insurance, had more prenatal care visits, had a higher frequency of e-cigarette use before pregnancy, had a lower frequency of cigarette use before pregnancy, and smoked hookah around pregnancy had a higher likelihood of quitting both cigarette and e-cigarette use during late pregnancy. Conclusions: Quitting use of cigarettes and/or e-cigarettes was fairly common among mothers who reported dual use or e-cigarette use only. Sociodemographics, pregnancy characteristics, and use of other tobacco products predicted quitting use of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes during late pregnancy.

Psychosocial predictors of trajectories of dual cigarette and e-cigarette use among young adults in the US

INTRODUCTION

Young adults have the highest prevalence of cigarette and e-cigarette use, warranting research to identify psychosocial correlates of their use trajectories.

METHODS

Repeated measures latent profile analyses (RMLPAs) examined past 6-month cigarette and e-cigarette trajectories across 5 waves of data (2018-2020) among 3,006 young adults (Mage = 24.56 [SD = 4.72], 54.8% female, 31.6% sexual minority, 60.2% racial/ethnic minority). Multinomial logistic regression models examined associations among psychosocial factors (i.e., depressive symptoms, adverse childhood experiences [ACEs], personality traits) and trajectories of cigarette and e-cigarette use, controlling for sociodemographics and past 6-month alcohol and cannabis use.

RESULTS

RMLPAs yielded a 6-profile solution, which were uniquely associated with predictors: stable low-level or nonusers of cigarettes and e-cigarettes (66.3%; referent group), stable low-level cigarette and high-level e-cigarette use (12.3%; greater depressive symptoms, ACEs, openness; male, White, cannabis use), stable mid-level cigarette and low-level e-cigarette use (6.2%; greater depressive symptoms, ACEs, extraversion; less openness, conscientiousness; older age, male, Black or Hispanic, cannabis use), stable low-level cigarette and decreasing e-cigarette use (6.0%; greater depressive symptoms, ACEs, openness; younger age, cannabis use), stable high-level cigarette and low-level e-cigarette use (4.7%; greater depressive symptoms, ACEs, extraversion; older age, cannabis use), and decreasing high-level cigarette and stable high-level e-cigarette use (4.5%; greater depressive symptoms, ACEs, extraversion, less conscientiousness; older age, cannabis use).

CONCLUSIONS

Cigarette and e-cigarette prevention and cessation efforts should be targeted both toward specific trajectories of use and their unique psychosocial correlates.

Associations Between E-cigarette Use and E-cigarette Flavors With Cigarette Smoking Quit Attempts and Quit Success: Evidence From a U.S. Large, Nationally Representative 2018-2019 Survey

INTRODUCTION

Although many studies have examined the association between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation, fewer have considered the impact of e-cigarette flavors on cessation outcomes. This study extends previous studies by examining the effects of e-cigarette use and e-cigarette flavors on quit attempts and quit success of smoking.

AIMS AND METHODS

We used data from the 2018-2019 Tobacco Use Supplement-Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) survey. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between flavored e-cigarette use with quit attempts and quit success of smoking among individuals who smoked 12 months ago. Two current e-cigarette use definitions were used in these logistic regression analyses; currently use every day or some days versus 20+ days in the past 30 days.

RESULTS

Compared to those not using e-cigarettes, current every day or someday e-cigarette use with all nontobacco flavors had an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 2.9 (95% CI: 2.4 to 3.5) for quit attempts and 1.7 (95% CI: 1.3 to 2.2) for quit success. 20+ days e-cigarette use with flavors had stronger associations with quit attempts (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 3.1 to 5.5) and quit success (AOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 2.9 to 5.4). E-cigarette users with nontobacco flavors were more likely to succeed in quitting compared to those exclusively using non-flavored or tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes. Menthol or mint flavor users had slightly higher odds of quit attempts and success than users of other nontobacco flavors.

CONCLUSIONS

E-cigarette use is positively associated with both making smoking quit attempts and quit success. Those using flavored e-cigarettes, particularly menthol or mint, are more likely to quit successfully.

IMPLICATIONS

E-cigarette use is positively associated with both making a quit attempt and quit success, and those using flavored e-cigarettes are more likely to successfully quit smoking, with no statistically significant differences between the use of menthol or mint-flavored e-cigarettes versus the use of other nontobacco flavored products. This suggests that the potential for e-cigarettes to help people who currently smoke quit could be maintained with the availability of menthol or mint-flavored e-cigarettes, even if other nontobacco flavored products, which are associated with e-cigarette use among youth, were removed from the market.

Association between perceived harm of tobacco and intention to quit: a cross-sectional analysis of the Vietnam Global Adult Tobacco Survey

BACKGROUND

Perception of harm plays an important role in predicting intention to quit-an integral part of the cessation process. Perception on harm from bamboo waterpipe tobacco was unknown, even the predominant of this type of tobacco use. This study investigated the effects of perceived harm from cigarette and bamboo waterpipe tobacco on intention to quit among adult male Vietnamese tobacco users.

METHODS

From the nationally-representative 2015 Global Adult Tobacco Survey, we included 1,351 adult males (≥ 18 years old) who used cigarettes, bamboo waterpipes, or both. Demographic characteristics, tobacco use behaviors, perceived harm from tobacco use, and regulation/policy exposure were measured. Effects of perceived harm from cigarette and bamboo waterpipe tobacco on intention to quit were assessed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Intention to quit prevalence was 59.0%, 55.0%, and 58.4% for cigarette, waterpipe, and dual users, respectively. Tobacco users who perceived that "using cigarettes and/or waterpipe could cause severe illness" and "waterpipe use is less harmful than cigarette smoking", had tobacco use bans at home, or were exposed to anti-smoking campaigns or encouragement to quit information were more likely to intend to quit. When analyzed by tobacco users, intention to quit was more likely for those users who perceived their tobacco product as more harmful than the other product type, although statistical significance was only observed for cigarette users.

CONCLUSIONS

Misperceptions regarding harm from tobacco use could negatively affect intention to quit. Dissemination of accurate information on the risks from all forms of tobacco use and enforcement of tobacco control policies are important for encouraging intention to quit.

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

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.

Supportive Accountability and Mobile App Use in a Tobacco Control Intervention Targeting Low-Income Minority Mothers Who Smoke: Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Smartphone mobile apps are frequently used in standalone or multimodal smoking cessation interventions. However, factors that impede or improve app usage are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study used the supportive accountability model to investigate factors that influence app usage in the context of a trial designed to reduce maternal smoking in low-income and predominantly minority communities.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of data (N=181) from a randomized controlled trial that included a smoking cessation app (QuitPal-m). Supportive accountability was measured by the number of times a participant was advised by their cessation counselor to use QuitPal-m. Participants reported app use helpfulness and barriers. Investigators tracked reported phone and technical problems that impeded app use.

RESULTS

Most participants rated the app as very helpful (103/155, 66.5%), but daily use declined rapidly over time. App use was positively related to the level of perceived app helpfulness (P=.02) and education (P=.002) and inversely related to perceived barriers (P=.003), phone technical problems (P<.001), and cigarettes smoked per day at the end of treatment (P<.001). Participants used the app a greater proportion of the days following app advice than those preceding app advice (0.45 versus 0.34; P<.001). The positive relation between counselor app advice and app usage 24 hours after receiving advice was stronger among smokers with no plan to quit than in those planning to quit (P=.03), independent of education and phone or app problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings show the utility of supportive accountability for increasing smoking cessation app use in a predominantly low-income, minority population, particularly if quit motivation is low. Results also highlight the importance of addressing personal and phone/technical barriers in addition to adding supportive accountability.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02602288; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02602288.

Smoking Cessation Treatment for Parents Who Dual Use E-Cigarettes and Traditional Cigarettes

INTRODUCTION

An increasing number of parents use both e-cigarettes and cigarettes (dual users). Previous studies have shown that dual users may have higher rates of contemplating smoking cessation than parents who only smoke cigarettes. This study was aimed to assess the delivery of tobacco cessation treatment (prescription for nicotine replacement therapy and referral to the quitline) among parents who report being dual users vs. cigarette-only smokers.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of parent survey data collected between April and October 2017 at 10 pediatric primary care practices participating in a cluster-randomized controlled trial of the Clinical Effort Against Secondhand Smoke Exposure (CEASE) intervention was conducted. Parents were considered to be dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes if they reported smoking a cigarette, even a puff, in the past seven days and using an e-cigarette within the past 30 days. Parents were asked if they received a prescription for nicotine replacement therapy and referral to the quitline to help them quit from their child's clinician. Multivariable logistic regression examined factors (dual use, insurance status, relationship to the child, race, and education status of the parent) associated with delivery of smoking cessation treatment (receiving prescriptions and/or enrollment in quitline) to smoking parents. Further, we compared the rates of tobacco cessation treatment delivery to dual users in the usual-care control practices vs. intervention practices.

RESULTS

Of 1007 smokers or recent quitters surveyed in the five intervention practices, 722 parents reported current use of cigarettes-only and 111 used e-cigarettes. Of these 111 parents, 82 (73.9%) reported smoking cigarettes. Parents were more likely to report receiving any treatment if they were dual users vs. cigarette-only smokers (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.38, 4.29). Child's insurance status, parents' sex, education, and race were not associated with parental receipt of tobacco cessation treatment in the model. No dual users in the usual-care control practices reported receiving treatment. Discussion. Dual users who visited CEASE intervention practices were more likely to receive treatment than cigarette-only smokers when treatments were discussed. An increased uptake of tobacco cessation treatments among dual users reinforces the importance of discussing treatment options with this group, while also recognizing that cigarette-only smokers may require additional intervention to increase the acceptance rate of cessation assistance. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT01882348.

Which smokers adopt e-cigarettes and at what price? An experimental estimation of price elasticity of demand and factors correlated with e-cigarette adoption

E-cigarette use has surged in recent years. Many of these new users are cigarette smokers. It is unclear whether e-cigarette adoption by smokers will lead to improved public health due to uncertainty about whether e-cigarettes help smokers quit using cigarettes and about whether ongoing dual use reduces exposure to toxins. A third source of uncertainty is whether providing cigarette smokers with sample e-cigarettes increases e-cigarette adoption. To provide insight into this final issue, we follow up with cigarette smokers who left an experimental auction with an e-cigarette, contacting them after two weeks, six weeks, and six months to determine which demographic and smoking-related characteristics predict continued e-cigarette use. We find that smokers who have made a serious quit attempt, have been advised to quit smoking, or have previously tried e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to report continued e-cigarette use. Women and smokers from racial and ethnic minority groups are significantly less likely to use e-cigarettes at follow up, as are those who said they would rather quit than switch to e-cigarettes. We also use experimental auction bids to estimate the price elasticity of demand for e-cigarettes, finding that a 10% increase in price results in a 5.6% reduction in quantity demanded. This suggests e-cigarette demand is less price sensitive than some earlier studies have found. While a tax on e-cigarettes can still be an effective tool for reducing e-cigarette demand, the reduction in demand may be smaller than some earlier studies would suggest.

How Does Smoking and Nicotine Dependence Change After Onset of Vaping? A Retrospective Analysis of Dual Users

INTRODUCTION

Although some smokers switch to exclusive use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), others become dual users of combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Little is known about how the onset of vaping affects the use of and dependence on combustible cigarettes or total nicotine use and dependence, which may influence health-related and cessation outcomes. Using self-report data of current combustible and e-cigarette use and retrospective recall of pre-vaping smoking in a sample of dual users, the aims of this study were (1) to compare pre- and post-vaping number of cigarettes per day and combustible cigarette dependence; (2) to compare pre- and post-vaping total nicotine use frequency (number of vaping sessions and cigarettes smoked per day), and total nicotine dependence; and (3) to examine predictors of nicotine dependence.

METHODS

We used baseline data from a smoking cessation trial with 2896 dual users. Nicotine use frequency and the Heaviness of Smoking Index were used as measures of nicotine use and dependence, respectively.

RESULTS

Participants decreased cigarettes/day from pre- (M = 19.24, SD = 9.01) to post-vaping (M = 11.15, SD = 8.02, p < .0001) and combustible cigarette dependence declined from pre- (M = 3.55, SD = 1.51) to post-vaping (M = 2.11, SD = 1.60, p < .0001). Total daily nicotine use frequency increased after initiating vaping (M = 19.25, SD = 9.01 vs. M = 29.46, SD = 8.61; p < .0001), as did total nicotine dependence (M = 3.55, SD = 1.51 vs. M = 4.68, SD = 1.38; p < .0001). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that variables associated with greater overall nicotine dependence included: younger age, lower education, more years smoking, higher pre-vaping nicotine dependence, using e-cigarettes more days per month, more puffs per vaping session, higher e-liquid nicotine concentration, and longer vaping history.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual use leads to a reduction in the number of combustible cigarettes, but total nicotine use and dependence increases.

IMPLICATIONS

In dual users, a reduction in smoking following onset of vaping may offer some harm reduction via reduction in cigarette intake. However, the increase in total nicotine use and dependence could affect the ability to quit either or both products.

Piloting a clinical laboratory method to evaluate the influence of potential modified risk tobacco products on smokers' quit-related motivation, choice, and behavior

Research methods are needed that can predict whether the availability of potential modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs) may influence smokers' quit-related motivation, choice, and behavior. This pilot study assessed the primary outcomes of feasibility and adherence to address this need using an electronic cigarette (ECIG) as a model MRTP. Cigarette smokers were randomly assigned to use only their own brand of cigarettes (OB-only) or a second-generation ECIG (18 ng/ml nicotine) plus their OB cigarettes (ECIG+OB) ad libitum for four weeks. Participants logged products using a mobile device, collected used cigarette filters, and provided saliva samples every day for analysis of cotinine. They returned to the lab once per week to provide a breath sample and accept or decline a choice to quit all tobacco products (i.e., cigarettes and/or ECIGs). They also returned for a one-month follow-up visit. Of those participants randomized (n = 60), 56.7% completed the 4-week intervention and 40.0% completed the follow-up visit. The primary reason for withdrawal was poor adherence with mobile device use. Comparable numbers of participants in each group chose to make a quit attempt, although more OB-only participants chose to quit during the first two weeks and more ECIG+OB participants during the last two weeks. With protocol modifications to reduce participation burden, the current method might ultimately be used by regulators to predict how smokers' quit-related motivation, choice, and behavior are influenced by current and future MRTPs.

Age differences in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) usage motivations and behaviors, perceived health benefit, and intention to quit

INTRODUCTION

Data from comprehensive studies are sparse regarding age differences in issues related to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) usage. This study examined age differences in usage motivations and behaviors, perceived health benefit, and quit intentions in a large and diverse sample recruited online.

METHODS

The sample included 1,432 current ENDS users, ages 18-64, drawn from a national online survey conducted in 2016. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were used.

RESULTS

The sample included participants in the following age groups: 18-24 (17.5%), 25-34 (38.6%), 35-44 (23.3%), and 45-64 (20.7%). With multiple adjustments, the 18-24 age group was more likely to vape for reasons such as flavors or friends' use, and to use multiple flavors and products with varying nicotine content. For example, the odds (95% CI) of vaping initiation due to flavor attraction vs. other reasons in the 18-24 age group were 1.40 (1.02-1.92), 2.73 (1.85-3.99), and 2.12 (1.41-3.18) compared to the 25-34, 35-44, and 45-64 age groups, respectively. In contrast, compared to older age groups, the 18-24 age group was less likely to use ENDS as an alternative to cigarettes or as a quitting device; they also used ENDS less frequently and perceived less health benefit of ENDS use. The 18-24 age group, especially those who had only used ENDS, had the lowest odds of likely quitting use of tobacco/nicotine products compared to other groups (lower by 44-73%).

CONCLUSION

There were significant age differences in ENDS usage motivations and behaviors, perceived health benefit, and quit intentions.

A review of tobacco regulatory science research on vulnerable populations

In 2013 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health established fourteen Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science (TCORS) to advance scientific knowledge relevant to conducting evidence-based tobacco regulation. This report reviews TCORS-funded research with adult vulnerable populations. The literature search included a list of all TCORS-funded publications compiled by the TCORS coordinating center; all TCORS were requested to share publications not in the coordinating-center's list. Only TCORS-funded reports describing an empirical study with an adult vulnerable population published in a peer-reviewed journal between September 2013 and June 2018 were included. 71 reports met inclusion criteria; 39% (28/71) examined tobacco use among those with mental health and medical comorbidities, 34% (24/71) socioeconomic disadvantage, 31% (22/71) women of reproductive age, 30% (21/71) racial/ethnic minorities, 18% (13/71) rural residents, and 3% (2/71) each among active military/veterans and sexual/gender minorities. Regarding scientific domains, 63% (45/71) investigated behavior, 37% (26/71) addiction, 24% (17/71) health effects, 20% (14/71) impact analyses, 18% (13/71) toxicity, 8% (6/71) marketing influences, and 7% (5/71) communications. Totals exceed 100% because some reports addressed multiple populations/domains. TCORS funding has generated a substantial, multidisciplinary body of new scientific knowledge on tobacco use in adult vulnerable populations. However, considerable variability was noted in the amount of research conducted across the various vulnerable populations and scientific domains. Most notably, relatively few studies focused on active military/veterans or sexual/gender minorities, and the scientific domains of marketing influences and communications were conspicuously underrepresented. These are important knowledge gaps to address going forward.

Patterns and trends of dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes among U.S. adults, 2015-2018

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Prevalence of current e-cigarette use among smokers remained relatively stable from 2015 (29.8%) to 2018 (27.7%).

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Prevalence of current e-cigarette use among never and former smokers increased significantly.

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Among e-cigarettes users, prevalence of current cigarette smoking decreased from 56.9% (2015) to 40.8% (2018).

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Approximately 1 in 5 smokers with no plan to quit smoking were current e-cigarette users from 2015 to 2018.

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About 3 in 10 heavy smokers who were dual users frequently used e-cigarettes from 2015 to 2018.

Introduction

If dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is a transition state to tobacco and nicotine use cessation, it may be a tolerable temporary condition. But, if a long-term behavior, dual use may increase tobacco harm to the population as a whole, and efforts should aim to reduce it as much as possible. To develop effective tobacco control policy, the changes in dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes need to be better understood.

Methods

National probability samples of U.S. adults in 2015 (n = 6051), 2016 (n = 6014), 2017 (n = 5992), and 2018 (n = 5989) reported their smoking and e-cigarette use status, including frequency of use. Weighted multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine temporal trends and patterns of cigarette and e-cigarette use.

Results

Between 2015 and 2018, the prevalence of current e-cigarette use (29.8% in 2015, 22.3% in 2016, 29.1% in 2017, and 27.7% in 2018) did not change significantly among current smokers. This result was consistent among light, moderate, and heavy smokers, and did not change when stratified by sex, age and race. However, the prevalence of cigarette smoking in current e-cigarette users declined from 56.9% in 2015 to 40.8% in 2018 (p < 0.001). Among never (p = .012) and former (ps < 0.001) smokers the prevalence of current e-cigarette use increased significantly.

Conclusion

The continued high prevalence of dual use and increased prevalence of current e-cigarette use among never smokers highlight the need for better communication about the risks of prolonged dual use for e-cigarette users, and the risks of nicotine initiation and addiction for nonusers.

A modeling approach to gauging the effects of nicotine vaping product use on cessation from cigarettes: what do we know, what do we need to know?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The long-term population health impact of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) use among smokers is unknown, and subject to a range of plausible assumptions about the use and health consequences of NVPs. While NVPs use may substitute for cigarette smoking and thereby aid in quitting cigarette use, it is also possible that smokers who would have otherwise quit would instead delay quitting cigarettes. We aimed to develop a cohort-specific simulation model of the impact of NVPs on smoking cessation by adult smokers and resulting premature deaths (PD) and life years lost (LYL).

DESIGN

A cohort-specific simulation model of the impact of NVPs on smoking cessation by adult smokers and resulting premature deaths (PD) and life years lost (LYL) was developed by gender for two birth cohorts, aged 30 and 50 years in 2012. Extensive sensitivity analyses were conducted.

SETTING

United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Smokers in two birth cohorts, aged 30 and 50 years in 2012.

MEASUREMENTS

Data were from the 1965-2012 National Health Interview Surveys and the 2014/15 Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey. The model incorporated a range of plausible assumptions from published literature about transition rates from regular smoking to exclusive NVP and dual use, from dual use to exclusive NVP use and from exclusive NVP use to no use.

FINDINGS

Compared with the no-NVP scenario, the male (female) model projected 17.8% (19.3%) fewer PDs and 22.9% (26.6%) fewer LYL for the 1982 cohort and 5.4% (7.3%) fewer PDs and 7.9% (11.4%) fewer LYL for the 1962 cohort. These gains were sensitive to NVP use over time, age of initial NVP use, transitions from smoking to dual, exclusive NVP and no use and relative NVP mortality risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Nicotine vaping product (NVP) use in the United States is projected to have a net positive impact on population health over a wide range of plausible levels of NVP use, transitions to dual, exclusive NVP and no use and NVP risks. However, net impact is sensitive to parameter estimates.

Perceived health risks of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) users: The role of cigarette smoking status

INTRODUCTION

Use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has increased markedly. We examined how current ENDS users differ in perceptions of tobacco and ENDS-related health risks as a function of cigarette smoking status.

METHODS

We classified 1329 current ENDS users completing a national online survey based on cigarette smoking status, and employed linear and logistic regression to assess group differences in perceptions of tobacco-related health risks.

RESULTS

The sample consisted of 38% Current Cigarette Smokers, 40% Former Cigarette Smokers, and 22% Non-Smokers. Our targeted recruitment strategy yielded a balance of key descriptive variables across participants. Significant differences were observed in race, employment and marital status across cigarette smoking status, but not in gender, education, income, or sexual orientation. Participants reported considerable perceived knowledge about health risks associated with tobacco use, but less regarding ENDS use. Current Smokers rated ENDS use as riskier than Non-Smokers, and considered cigarette use less risky for both users and bystanders. Current Smokers were more likely to perceive cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer as the health risks associated with ENDS use. Former Smokers were more likely to perceive such risks with traditional tobacco use. Further, regardless of smoking status, perceived knowledge about the health risks of tobacco or ENDS use was positively associated with perceived likelihood of high risks of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Among current ENDS users, there were significant differences in perceived health risks based on cigarette smoking history. Improved health messaging can be achieved when cigarette smoking status is taken into account.

"They're thinking, well it's not as bad, I probably won't get addicted to that. But it's still got the nicotine in it, so…": Maturity, Control, and Socializing: Negotiating Identities in Relation to Smoking and Vaping-A Qualitative Study of Young Adults in Scotland

Objective

To explore the understandings of and engagement with e-cigarettes, of young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, and how these may have an impact on existing smoking identities.

Methods

Twenty-two small group and 11 individual qualitative interviews were conducted in Central Scotland with 72 16-24 year olds between September 2015 and April 2016. Participants were mostly smokers and ex-smokers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Results

Although most participants had tried e-cigarettes, they generally held ambivalent views about e-cigarettes and vaping. Two overarching themes were identified which helped in understanding this. Firstly, e-cigarettes were understood by the participants in relation to their existing smoking identities. Vaping was viewed as less controllable and more addictive than smoking, which did not fit with their self-identity as controlled smokers. Secondly, they felt that vaping could not replace the social and cultural importance that smoking had in their lives.

Conclusion

This study suggests that though young adults from disadvantaged areas are trying e-cigarettes for various reasons, vaping is rarely sustained. Through their own experiences of vaping and their observations of others vaping, the participants perceive the behavior as endangering an existing acceptable and controlled smoking identity. Additionally, e-cigarettes were considered to be a jarring presence in existing social situations where smoking was valued. This study, therefore, provides insights into how young adults may be rationalizing their continued smoking in the face of potentially less harmful alternatives.

Implications

As new and novel nicotine delivery devices, and due to their similarity to smoking, e-cigarettes have the potential to help smokers in their quit attempts. However, the findings from this study raise questions about whether e-cigarettes are regarded as having this potential by young adult smokers from disadvantaged socioeconomic environments where smoking is more commonplace and acceptable.

Parental Dual Use of e-Cigarettes and Traditional Cigarettes

BACKGROUND

E-cigarettes are growing in popularity. Dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes is an increasingly common practice, but little is known about patterns of dual use in parents. We sought to describe smoking-related behaviors among dual-users.

METHODS

Parent exit surveys were conducted following their child's visit in 5 control pediatric practices in 5 states participating in the Clinical Effort Against Secondhand Smoke Exposure trial. We examined factors associated with dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes versus cigarette-only smokers, assessed by self-report.

RESULTS

Of 1382 smokers or recent quitters screened after their child's visit between April and October 2017, 943 (68%) completed the survey. Of these, 727 parents reported current use of cigarettes; of those, 81 (11.1%) also reported e-cigarette use, meeting the definition of dual use. Compared with cigarette-only smokers, dual users were more likely to have a child younger than 1 year old, planned to quit in the next 6 months, and had tried to quit in the past (had a quit attempt in the past 3 months, called the quitline, or used medicine to quit in the past 2 years; P < .05 for each).

CONCLUSIONS

Parents who use both e-cigarettes and cigarettes may have greater rates of contemplating smoking cessation than parents who only smoke cigarettes. These parents may be using e-cigarettes for harm reduction or as a step toward cessation. Identification of these parents may provide an opportunity to deliver effective treatment, including nicotine-replacement therapies that do not expose infants and children to e-cigarette aerosol.

Targeted Versus Nontargeted Communication About Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems in Three Smoker Groups

Background: This study used an audience segmentation and message targeting approach to identify three distinct smoker groups-Older Freedom Smokers (OFS), Reluctant Smokers (RS), and Young Enthusiasts (YE)-and examined whether an electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) message targeting each smoker group (targeted message) was associated with more health-enhancing outcomes than messages targeting other groups (nontargeted messages). Methods: An online experiment was conducted among 580 adult smokers with 180 OFS, 200 RS, and 200 YE. Each smoker group viewed a targeted message and two nontargeted messages in a random order. Following the presentation of each message, participants reported their perceived message effectiveness, message reactions, ENDS- and cigarette-related beliefs, and behavioral intentions. Results: The targeted vs. nontargeted messages mostly did not produce more health-enhancing outcomes on perceptions of absolute and comparative risks of ENDS and cigarettes, response efficacy of ENDS, and self-efficacy as well as intentions to quit smoking. Conclusions: Our targeted messages did not appear to be a better choice over nontargeted messages to communicate about ENDS to smokers. Given the increasing call to accurately inform the public of the risk differences among various tobacco products, future studies should continue to explore whether targeted messages could be employed to communicate about the comparative risks of ENDS.

Association between stages of change for smoking cessation and electronic cigarette use among adult smokers: A nationwide cross-sectional study in Korea

This study aimed to investigate whether smokers who are ready to quit are more likely to use electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) than those who are not. The association between the ever and current use of e-cigarettes with the stages of change (SOC) model was examined, which reflects the readiness to quit smoking. Current smokers were categorized based on the SOC (precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation). We investigated the associations between quit attempts, intention to quit, and stage of change with e-cigarette use in the general population and different age groups. We used data from the Korea Community Health Survey that was conducted nationwide in 2014, and 45,378 current smokers were included in the study. Adult smokers were more likely to use e-cigarettes simultaneously in the preparation and contemplation stages than in the precontemplation stage (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] of preparation stage: 2.88 and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.26–3.66; AOR of contemplation stage: 1.93 and 95% CI: 1.67–2.24). Ever use of e-cigarette was significantly associated with the contemplation stage in smokers younger than 50 years, while current e-cigarette use was greater in the contemplation stage than in the precontemplation stage at all ages. Both ever and current use of e-cigarettes were significantly related with the preparation stage among all age groups except 50–59 years. Because the use of e-cigarette among smokers may continually increase, public health guidance must be provided to different types of dual users. Previous studies on the association between e-cigarette use and the cognitive and behavioral aspects of smokers have conflicting results. This study highlights whether the use of e-cigarettes can be used as an indicator for the readiness to quit smoking. Thus, counselors can encourage smoking cessation and provide tailored interventions.

The Relationship of E-Cigarette Use to Cigarette Quit Attempts and Cessation: Insights From a Large, Nationally Representative U.S. Survey

Objectives

While cessation from cigarettes is a top priority for public health, controversy surrounds the role of e-cigarettes for quitting cigarettes. This study examines the role of e-cigarettes in quit attempts and 3-month cigarette abstinence using a large, recent nationally representative US sample.

Methods

Data from the 2014/15 Tobacco Use Supplement-Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) on cigarette and e-cigarette use and individual characteristics were supplemented with information on state tobacco control policies. We estimated frequencies and multivariate logistic equations for making a quit attempt among those who smoked 1 year earlier and for remaining abstinent at least 3 months among those making a quit attempt. These two outcomes were related to demographic characteristics, tobacco control policies and different frequency measures of e-cigarette use (ever, at least 1, 5, 20 of the last 30 days, a continuous measure of days use).

Results

Having made a quit attempt was more likely among smokers using e-cigarettes than non-users. Among those making at least one quit attempt, quit success was lower among ever users, but higher among those with at least 5 days use of e-cigarettes in the last month. Both quit attempts and quit success were linearly related to the frequency of e-cigarette use.

Conclusions

Consistent with randomized trials and those observational studies that measure frequency of e-cigarette use, both quit attempts and quit success were positively associated with increased frequency of e-cigarette use. Frequency of e-cigarette use was important in gauging the nature of these relationships.

Implications

Previous studies have obtained mixed results regarding the relationship of e-cigarette use to cigarette smoking cessation. This study provides a more precise methodology for considering the relationship of e-cigarette use to quit attempts and to quit success, and finds that quit attempts and quit success increase with the number of days use in the past month.

The Use of E-cigarettes Among School-Going Adolescents in a Predominantly Rural Environment of Central Appalachia

E-cigarette use among youth in the United States (U.S.) continues to increase. In the rural Northeast Tennessee, where prevalence of tobacco use is higher than national and state averages, there is no literature on e-cigarette use to inform policies and programs. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of e-cigarette use and examine association of e-cigarette use with two tobacco products among school-going adolescents. Data from 894 participants of a school-based survey conducted in 2016 in Northeast Tennessee were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the prevalence and delineate the associations between e-cigarette use and other tobacco products. Approximately 11% of the participants currently used e-cigarettes, and 35% had ever used e-cigarettes. About 6% of the participants were current users of both e-cigarettes and cigarettes; 4% were current users of e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco; 3% were current users of all three products, and 15% had ever tried all three products. More than one-half of current e-cigarette users (52%) also smoked cigarettes. Adjusting for covariates, current e-cigarette use was positively associated with cigarette smoking [Odds Ratio (OR) 27.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 14.4-51.7] and smokeless tobacco use [OR 7.92, 95% CI 3.8-16.5]. E-cigarette use was more common among the high school students than cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, and a significant proportion of users either smoked cigarettes, used smokeless tobacco, or both. Thus, there is a critical need for preventive policies and programs to address dual and poly-use of these products.

Electronic Cigarette Use in Students and Its Relation with Tobacco-Smoking: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the i-Share Study

While young adults often try e-cigarettes, little is known about its use and the reasons for experimentation, particularly in relation with tobacco-smoking. In 2016, data were collected from 2720 French-speaking students participating in a web-based study on students' health: the internet-based Students Health Research Enterprise (i-Share) project. Univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to study the relationship between e-cigarette use and smoking status. Two out of five students declared having tried e-cigarettes and 3.6% were current users. Former smokers were more likely than current smokers to use e-cigarettes currently. Among those who had never smoked, 13.5% had tried e-cigarettes. Very few (0.3%) were current users, alternating e-liquids with and without nicotine. The three main reasons for trying e-cigarettes were curiosity, offer to try by someone, and attractiveness of e-liquid flavors. Among current smokers, previous attempts to quit smoking and a strong desire to stop tobacco were reported more in e-cigarette current users than in former users. In this large sample of French students, findings were consistent with the possibility that e-cigarettes might be used as smoking cessation or reduction aids by some young adults whereas other young never-smokers could be exposed to nicotine.

What factors are associated with current smokers using or stopping e-cigarette use?

BACKGROUND

While some smokers use e-cigarettes and stop smoking, a substantial proportion try e-cigarettes and later discontinue or use them concurrently with smoking (current dual users). The aim was to assess factors associated with ongoing e-cigarette use and discontinuation among smokers.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of data of 1489 currently smoking adults, 18 and above, from a GB population-based online survey conducted in March 2016. A multivariable logistic regression assessed motivation to stop smoking among never e-cigarette users, past triers (

RESULTS

Current dual users were more motivated to stop smoking than past users (AOR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.10-3.46); never users' or past triers' motivation did not differ from past users'. Dual users were less dependent on cigarettes (AOR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.86) and more likely to use e-cigarettes as an aid to reduce smoking (AOR=2.40, 95% CI: 1.59-3.64) and to deal with smoking restrictions (AOR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.22-3.38) than past users. Smokers mostly discontinued e-cigarettes because they did not feel like smoking, did not help with cravings, or respondents had just wanted to try them.

CONCLUSION

Among smokers, ongoing use of e-cigarettes is associated with reasons for reducing smoking and dealing with smoking restrictions, heightened motivation to stop smoking, and lower dependence on smoking.

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Key Words

• Electronic cigarettes
• Motivation to quit
• Smoking

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MESH Headings

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Craving
• Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems/psychology
• Female
• Health Surveys
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Motivation
• Smoking/psychology
• Smoking Cessation/psychology
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• United Kingdom
• Young Adult

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Grants

• 19540 Cancer Research UK
• MR/K023195/1 Medical Research Council
• C52999/A19748 Cancer Research UK
• C25586/A19540 Cancer Research UK

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Affiliation(s)

Erikas Simonavicius Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
Ann McNeill Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Deborah Arnott Action on Smoking and Health, London, United Kingdom
Leonie S Brose Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom

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Use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems among Adults with Mental Health Conditions, 2015

Adults with mental health conditions (MHC) are especially likely to smoke and experience tobacco-related health disparities. Individuals with MHC may also use electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDS) at disproportionately high rates. However, there is a relative dearth of knowledge regarding ENDS use among individuals with MHC. In a large representative sample of U.S. adults (n = 6051), associations between self-reported MHC diagnoses and ENDS use and susceptibility were examined, stratified by smoking status. Participants with MHC were approximately 1.5 times more likely to have used ENDS in their lifetime and almost twice as likely to currently use ENDS as those without MHC. MHC status was most strongly linked to higher ENDS use among former smokers, and former smokers with MHC were more likely to report using ENDS during past smoking quit attempts than those without MHC. Among participants who had not tried ENDS, former smokers with MHC were especially susceptible to future ENDS use. The potential advantage of ENDS for cessation purposes should be balanced with the risk of attracting former smokers with MHC to ENDS.

E-cigarette use among women of reproductive age: Impulsivity, cigarette smoking status, and other risk factors

INTRODUCTION

The study aim was to examine impulsivity and other risk factors for e-cigarette use among women of reproductive age comparing current daily cigarette smokers to never cigarette smokers. Women of reproductive age are of special interest because of the additional risk that tobacco and nicotine use represents should they become pregnant.

METHOD

Survey data were collected anonymously online using Amazon Mechanical Turk in 2014. Participants were 800 women ages 24-44years from the US. Half (n=400) reported current, daily smoking and half (n=400) reported smoking <100 cigarettes lifetime. Participants completed questionnaires regarding sociodemographics, tobacco/nicotine use, and impulsivity (i.e., delay discounting & Barratt Impulsiveness Scale). Predictors of smoking and e-cigarette use were examined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Daily cigarette smoking was associated with greater impulsivity, lower education, past illegal drug use, and White race/ethnicity. E-cigarette use in the overall sample was associated with being a cigarette smoker and greater education. E-cigarette use among current smokers was associated with increased nicotine dependence and quitting smoking; among never smokers it was associated with greater impulsivity and illegal drug use. E-cigarette use was associated with hookah use, and for never smokers only with use of cigars and other nicotine products.

CONCLUSIONS

E-cigarette use among women of reproductive age varies by smoking status, with use among current smokers reflecting attempts to quit smoking whereas among non-smokers use may be a marker of a more impulsive repertoire that includes greater use of alternative tobacco products and illegal drugs.