Cigarette Use, E-Cigarette Use, and Dual Product Use Are Higher Among Adults With Serious Psychological Distress in the United States: 2014-2017

Perceptions of a reduced nicotine policy and predictors of policy support: A nationally representative U.S. survey

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering a policy to reduce nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels. Although current evidence supports the public-health benefits of a reduced-nicotine policy, almost half of people who smoke (∼ 40%) do not support the policy. This study estimates the factors most strongly associated with support or opposition toward the policy, including tobacco use status, perceived effects of a reduced nicotine policy, trust in the FDA, and psychological distress. The study aims to inform messaging campaigns and policy makers.

METHODS

Data were collected in 2021 with nationally representative samples of U.S. adults (n = 1763). After receiving information about the reduced nicotine policy, participants indicated their beliefs and support for or opposition to the policy, along with other individual difference characteristics. Univariate population parameters and multinomial logistic regression coefficients were estimated.

RESULTS

In adjusted models, people who formerly or never smoked were less likely to oppose the policy compared to those who currently smoke; people with higher psychological distress and those who believe the policy will promote switching to e-cigarettes were more likely to oppose the policy. In addition, people were more likely to support the policy if they believed it would make quitting easier or that the FDA is trustworthy.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational campaigns about reduced nicotine policy should expect higher impact by targeting prevalent perceptions and those more strongly associated with policy sentiment. In anticipation of the policy rollout, there may be a critical window to shape public opinion.

Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Use Among Young Adults with Serious Mental Illness

To inform early intervention, this study describes correlates of substance use among young people with serious mental illness (SMI) enrolled in integrated care in community mental health settings. 227 adults ages 18-35 were assessed for clinical characteristics and substance use. Logistic regressions were used to describe relationships between substance use and participant characteristics. Over a third (38.9%) reported daily cannabis, 15.9% past month other illicit drug, 13.5% frequent/heavy alcohol and 47.4% any of these; 50.2% reported daily tobacco smoking and 23.3% current vaping. Daily cannabis and tobacco were the most common combination. Alcohol, drug, and cannabis with tobacco were associated with higher mental health symptoms but not with emergency room or hospital utilization. Cannabis and other substance use was common and associated with higher symptoms but not with greater hospital utilization, suggesting that early intervention could prevent long-term negative consequences.

Associations between vaping and daily cigarette consumption among individuals with psychological distress

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with behavioral health conditions smoke at significantly higher rates and have been resistant to existing smoking cessation efforts. A clearer understanding of associations between vaping and daily cigarette consumption in this vulnerable population is warranted.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the 2014-2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to examine whether vaping was associated with differences in number of cigarettes smoked per day (CPD) among adults who smoke daily and have varying levels of psychological distress.

RESULTS

After adjustment for sociodemographic covariates, individuals who vaped every day smoked on average 1.48 fewer cigarettes per day than individuals who never vaped (p<0.01), while individuals who vaped some days and individuals who ever but no longer vaped smoked 0.77 and 1.48 more CPD, respectively, than individuals who never vaped. Differences between those who vaped every day and those who never vaped were even greater among those with moderate psychological distress (-2.21 CPD, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that use of vaping devices may be associated with lower daily cigarette use among individuals with psychological distress, potentially supporting smoking harm reduction efforts.

A four-year longitudinal analysis examining the effects of e-cigarette advertisements and disparities among youth with internalizing problems

BACKGROUND

Prior research indicates a direct, short-term effect of e-cigarette advertising on e-cigarette use among youth. This study seeks to investigate the long-term effects of e-cigarette advertisements and disparities in exposure among adolescents with different levels of internalizing problems.

METHODS

Panel data of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Waves 3-5 (2015-2019) were analyzed. Youth aged 12-17 who were non-e-cigarette users at the time of Wave 3 were included (n = 4,678). A moderated mediation model was employed to examine the mediating role of perceived harm of e-cigarettes and the moderating effect of internalizing problems.

RESULTS

Exposure to e-cigarette advertisements in Wave 3 predicted lower harm perception of e-cigarette in Wave 4 (bp = -0.055, p <.01), leading to more e-cigarette use in Wave 5 (bp = -0.042, p <.001). While e-cigarette advertisements exhibited a lasting indirect effect (bp = 0.002, p <.05), there was no long-term direct effect (bp = 0.017, p >.05) on youth e-cigarette use. Furthermore, a moderating effect of internalizing problems was observed (bp = 0.107, p <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

E-cigarette advertisements can exert a lasting influence indirectly by diminishing harm perception, particularly among those with lower internalizing problems. Adolescents with higher internalizing problems exhibit lower susceptibility to advertisement influence, yet their perceived harm of e-cigarettes is notably lower than their peers with fewer internalizing problems. These disparities underscore the need for tailored prevention strategies: implementing anti-e-cigarette education programs for adolescents with low internalizing problems and providing mental health care for those facing internalizing challenges. Regulatory measures targeting e-cigarette advertising are also crucial.

E-cigarette use or dual use of E-cigarette and combustible cigarette and mental health and cognitive impairment: Findings from the National Health Interview Survey, 2020-2021

BACKGROUND

Studies on the association between e-cigarette use and mental health are mostly among adolescents and young adults, leaving limited evidence of this association among general US adults. Besides, few studies have examined how e-cigarette use or dual use of e-cigarette and combustible cigarette is related to cognitive function.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data of 56,734 adults from the 2020-2021 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were applied to examine the independent association between e-cigarette use or dual use and anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, serious psychological distress (SPD), and cognitive impairment.

RESULTS

Compared with never e-cigarette users, current e-cigarette users had 2.10-fold (95 % CI: 1.84, 2.39), 2.53-fold (95 % CI: 2.13, 3.00), 2.02-fold (95 % CI: 1.47, 2.76), and 2.00-fold (95 % CI: 1.47, 2.72) higher odds of reporting anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, SPD, and cognitive impairment, respectively. Former e-cigarette use was also associated with all three mental conditions and cognitive impairment (AOR ranged from 1.38 to 2.53, all P < 0.01). Dual users were more likely to report all three mental conditions and cognitive impairment than those who never used combustible cigarette and e-cigarette (AOR ranged from 1.89 to 2.83, all P < 0.01). Dual users also had a greater likelihood of having anxiety or depression symptoms than exclusive combustible cigarette users (AOR ranged from 1.46 to 1.47, all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

E-cigarette use or dual use is associated with poor mental health and cognitive impairment among US adults. Regulations on e-cigarette use are needed to prevent mental illness and improve cognitive function.

Combustible cigarette smokers versus e-cigarette dual users among Latinx individuals: Differences in alcohol and drug use severity

The Latinx population in the United States (U.S.) experiences significant tobacco and other substance use-related health disparities. Yet, little is known about the couse of combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes (dual use) in relation to substance use behavior among Latinx smokers. The present investigation compared English-speaking Latinx adults living in the United States who exclusively smoke combustible cigarettes versus dual users in terms of alcohol use and other drug use problem severity. Participants were 297 Hispanic/Latinx daily cigarette smokers (36.4% female, Mage = 35.9 years, SD = 8.87) recruited nationally across the United States using Qualtrics Panels to complete self-report measures of behavioral health outcomes. Five analysis of covariance models were conducted to evaluate differences in overall alcohol consumption, dependence, related problems, hazardous drinking, and drug use problem severity between exclusive combustible cigarette smokers (N = 205) and dual users (N = 92). Results indicated that dual users evinced greater levels of alcohol consumption, dependence, alcohol-related problems, and hazardous drinking compared to exclusive combustible cigarette smokers (ps < .001). Dual users also reported greater levels of drug use problems relative to exclusive combustible cigarette smokers (p < .001). The current findings are among the first to document that dual cigarette and e-cigarette use status (compared to exclusive combustible cigarette smoking) may serve as a clinically relevant risk indicator for a range of deleterious substance use problems among Latinx individuals. Future research is needed to corroborate these findings and examine dual-use status as a longitudinal predictor of alcohol and other substance-related problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Communicating the benefits of quitting smoking on mental health increases motivation to quit in people with anxiety and/or depression

BACKGROUND

Although smoking rates have declined over time, this decline has not been observed among those with mental health concerns. It is therefore important to develop effective messaging to support quitting in this population.

METHODS

We conducted an online experiment with 419 adults who smoke cigarettes daily. Participants with, or without a lifetime history of anxiety and/or depression were randomized to view a message focused on the benefits of quitting smoking on mental or physical health. Participants then reported motivation to quit smoking, mental health concerns about quitting, and perceived effectiveness of the message.

RESULTS

Participants with a lifetime history of anxiety and/or depression who saw the message focused on the benefits of quitting smoking on mental health reported greater motivation to quit than when they saw a message focused on the benefits to physical health. This was not replicated when examining current symptoms instead of lifetime history. Pre-existing beliefs that smoking improves one's mood were greater in those experiencing current symptoms and in those with a lifetime history of anxiety and/or depression. There was no main or interaction (message type X mental health status) effect of message type received on mental health related concerns about quitting.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is one of the first to evaluate a smoking cessation message with content specifically targeted to those with mental health concerns about quitting smoking. Additional work is needed to determine how to best target those with mental health concerns with messages focused on the benefits of quitting on mental health.

Treatment-seeking young people enrolled in a United States vaping cessation intervention trial report high frequency of use and nicotine dependence

Objective

This study examines characteristics of participants enrolled in a vaping cessation intervention trial and study generalizability of the treatment-seeking sample to the broader population of young people interested in quitting vaping to evaluate dissemination of an evidence-based treatment program.

Methods

Data was obtained from 697 treatment-seeking participants (aged 13-24 years) from a vaping cessation intervention trial conducted between February and March 2023 with This is Quitting and 665 participants who expressed intent to quit vaping in the Truth Longitudinal Cohort, a nationally representative longitudinal study of United States youth and young adults (aged 15-24 years), collected October 2022 to February 2023. Comparisons were made using two-sample Pearson Chi-square tests and t-tests.

Results

Treatment-seeking young people were younger, less racially diverse, more diverse in sexual orientation, and reported higher psychological distress, frequency of e-cigarette use, and nicotine dependence, relative to the nationally representative sample of young people expressing intentions to quit vaping.

Conclusions

Participants enrolled in treatment reported higher levels of dependence and use frequency than the broader population, suggesting that many young e-cigarette users with lower dependence who want to quit might not be reached by current treatment dissemination efforts. The implication of these findings is that communications for vaping cessation programs may need to be adjusted to have broader appeal among young people.

The association of current exclusive e-cigarette use and dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes with psychological distress among U.S. adults

This observational study examines the association of current e-cigarette use and dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes (dual use) with psychological distress among U.S. adults. We differentiate dual use based on the smoking frequency and compare the relationship between dual use and psychological distress to that of exclusive cigarette smoking with the same smoking frequency. Using data from the 2015-2018 National Health Interview Surveys, we analyzed adults aged 18+ (N = 55,780) who currently use e-cigarettes or/and cigarettes and have no history of using other tobacco products, and adults who never used any tobacco. Multinomial logistic regression models estimate the association of current e-cigarette use and dual use with psychological distress severity (no/mild, moderate, and severe).In the sample, 15.3% and 2.9% of adults experienced moderate and severe psychological distress. Compared to never tobacco users, current exclusive e-cigarette users and dual users who smoke daily had higher odds of moderate and severe psychological distress. Dual users who smoke nondaily had higher odds of moderate, but not severe psychological distress than never tobacco users. Compared to exclusive daily smokers, dual users with daily smoking had higher odds of moderate and severe psychological distress. Compared to exclusive nondaily smokers, dual users with nondaily smoking had higher odds of moderate but not severe psychological distress. Our findings suggest that exclusive e-cigarette use is associated with psychological distress severity. Dual use is associated with higher odds of psychological distress severity compared to never tobacco users and exclusive cigarette smoking, and this association differs by smoking frequency.

Texas tobacco quitline knowledge, attitudes, and practices within healthcare agencies serving individuals with behavioral health needs: A multimethod study

Patients with behavioral health conditions have disproportionately high tobacco use rates and face significant barriers to accessing evidence-based tobacco cessation services. Tobacco quitlines are an effective and accessible resource, yet they are often underutilized. We identify knowledge, practices, and attitudes towards the Texas Tobacco Quitline (TTQL) within behavioral healthcare settings in Texas. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in 2021 as part of a statewide needs assessment in behavioral healthcare settings. Survey respondents (n = 125) represented 23 Federally Qualified Health Centers, 29 local mental health authorities (LMHAs), 12 substance use treatment programs in LMHAs, and 61 standalone substance use treatment centers (26 people participated in qualitative interviews). Over half of respondents indicated familiarity with the TTQL and believed that the TTQL was helpful for quitting. Qualitative findings reveal potential concerns about inconsistency of services, long wait time, and the format of the quitline. About half of respondents indicated that their center promoted patient referral to TTQL, and few indicated that their center had an electronic referral system with direct TTQL referral capacity. Interview respondents reported overall lack of systematic follow up with patients regarding their use of the TTQL services. Findings suggest the need for (1) increased TTQL service awareness among healthcare providers; (2) further investigation into any changes needed to better serve patients with behavioral health conditions who use tobacco; and (3) electronic health record integration supporting direct referrals and enhanced protocols to support patient follow up after TTQL referral.

Stagnant daily smoking prevalence between 2008 and 2019 among Black and Hispanic adults with serious psychological distress

BACKGROUND

Racial/ethnic minority status and mental illness independently drive inequity in cigarette smoking and related morbidity. Racial/ethnic minority groups suffer a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related diseases. People with serious mental illness (SMI) smoke at up to 7 times the rate of the general population. There is a need to quantify smoking prevalence and trends among people at the intersection of both groups.

METHODS

This study analyzes 2008-2019 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Linear time trends of daily smoking prevalence were assessed among people with serious psychological distress (SPD; marker for SMI) and people without SPD reporting White, Black, Hispanic, and Other race/ethnicity using logistic regression, with survey year as the predictor. Models with year-by-smoking status interaction terms and F-tests assessed differential time trends.

RESULTS

The prevalence of daily smoking among people without SPD decreased over time among people reporting White (aOR=0.96, p<0.001), Black (aOR=0.96, p<0.001), Hispanic (aOR=0.95, p<0.001), and Other (aOR=0.97, p=0.002) race/ethnicity. Among people with SPD, the smoking prevalence decreased among people with White race/ethnicity (aOR=0.95, p<0.001), with no significant changes among people of Black, Hispanic, and Other race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking among people with SPD who report Black and Hispanic race/ethnicity has not changed significantly in the past 11 years, despite decreasing among non-SPD and White groups. People who are Black/Hispanic and people with SPD struggle to quit smoking, which is amplified intersectionally. Tailored interventions may be a better mechanism to reduce barriers to smoking cessation in this population.

E-Cigarette Use: The Effects of Psychological Vulnerabilities, Perceptions, and Intentions to Use E-Cigarettes

Little research has examined the effects that psychological vulnerabilities (i.e., difficulty with emotion regulation, depressed mood, distress tolerance) have on the perceptions of e-cigarettes, intent to use e-cigarettes, and actual e-cigarette use. Data were collected via an online survey from 837 adults (55.6% male, Mage = 29.2, 71.7% Caucasian). The two path analytic models predicting lifetime and current use fit the data well. Difficulty with emotion regulation was positively associated with depressed mood and negatively associated with distress tolerance, while distress tolerance was negatively associated with depressed mood. Depressed mood was positively associated with perceived benefits of e-cigarette use, and perceived benefits was positively associated with intent to use. Perceived benefits and intent to use were significantly associated with both lifetime and current use. Findings enhance our understanding of the effects that mood and emotion-related factors have on perceptions of, intent to use, and actual use of e-cigarettes, which may have important implications for prevention and cessation.

Communicating the benefits of quitting smoking on mental health increases motivation to quit in people with anxiety and/or depression: A randomized trial of two health messages

Background

Although smoking rates have declined over time, this decline has not been observed among those with mental health concerns. It is therefore important to develop effective messaging to support quitting in this population.

Methods

We conducted an online experiment with 419 adults who smoke cigarettes daily. Participants with, or without a lifetime history of anxiety and/or depression were randomized to view a message focused on the benefits of quitting smoking on mental or physical health. Participants then reported motivation to quit smoking, mental health concerns about quitting, and perceived effectiveness of the message.

Results

Participants with a lifetime history of anxiety and/or depression who saw the message focused on the benefits of quitting smoking on mental health reported greater motivation to quit than when they saw a message focused on the benefits to physical health. This was not replicated when examining current symptoms instead of lifetime history. Pre-existing beliefs that smoking improves one's mood were greater in those experiencing current symptoms and in those with a lifetime history of anxiety and/or depression. There was no main or interaction (message type X mental health status) effect of message type received on mental health related concerns about quitting.

Conclusions

This study is one of the first to evaluate a smoking cessation message with content specifically targeted to those with mental health concerns about quitting smoking. Additional work is needed to determine how to best target those with mental health concerns with messages focused on the benefits of quitting on mental health.

Implications

These data can begin to inform regulatory efforts to address tobacco use in those with comorbid anxiety and/or depression by providing information on how to effectively communicate the benefits of quitting smoking on mental health.

Trends in cigarette use and health insurance coverage among US adults with mental health and substance use disorders

AIMS

To estimate recent trends in cigarette use and health insurance coverage for United States adults with and without mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUD).

DESIGN

Event study analysis of smoking and insurance coverage trends among US adults with and without MH/SUD using 2008-19 public use data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual, cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

USA.

PARTICIPANTS

A nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized respondents aged 18-64 years (n = 448 762).

MEASUREMENTS

Outcome variables were three measures of recent cigarette use and one measure of past-year health insurance coverage. We compared outcomes between people with and without MH/SUD (MH disorder: past-year mental illness, predicted from Kessler-6 and the World Health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule impairment scale; SUD: met survey-based DSM-IV criteria for past-year alcohol, cannabis, cocaine or heroin use disorder) and over time.

FINDINGS

Comparing pooled data from 2008 to 2009 and from 2018 to 2019, current smoking rates of adults with MH/SUD decreased from 37.9 to 27.9% while current smoking rates of adults without MH/SUD decreased from 21.4 to 16.3%, a significant difference in decrease of 4.9 percentage points (pts) [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.3-6.6 pts]. Daily smoking followed similar patterns (difference in decrease of 3.9 pts (95% CI = 2.3-5.4 pts). Recent smoking abstinence rates for adults with MH/SUD increased from 7.4 to 10.9%, while recent smoking abstinence rates for adults without MH/SUD increased from 9.6 to 12.0%, a difference in increase of 1.0 pts (95% CI = -3.0 to 0.9 pts). In 2018-19, 11% of net reductions in current smoking, 12% of net reductions in daily smoking and 12% of net increases in recent smoking abstinence coincided with greater gains in insurance coverage for adults with MH/SUD compared to those without MH/SUD.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in smoking and abstinence outcomes for US adults with mental health and substance use disorders appear to be associated with increases in health insurance coverage.

Simultaneous use of alcohol and cigarettes in a mixed psychiatric sample: Daily-life associations with smoking motives, craving, stimulation, sedation, and affect

Co-use of alcohol and cigarettes is common and associated with greater negative consequences compared to use of either substance alone. Furthermore, alcohol and cigarettes are often used at the same time, and these "simultaneous" use events are associated with greater consumption of each substance. Given the prevalence and negative consequences associated with this pattern, we sought to identify proximal predictors and reinforcers of simultaneous use in individuals with a range of emotional and behavioral dysregulation who may be at greater risk of experiencing substance-related problems. Specifically, 41 adults who drank alcohol and smoked cigarettes (28 with borderline personality disorder and 13 community individuals) completed 21 days of ecological momentary assessment (EMA). First, we used multilevel models on cigarette-use moments to examine whether momentary cigarette motive endorsement differed based on whether participants were also drinking alcohol in that moment. Second, we used multilevel models on all EMA moments to examine whether simultaneous use was associated with greater craving and reinforcing effects compared to use of either substance alone. Participants reported greater enhancement and social motives for smoking cigarettes when also drinking alcohol compared to when they were only smoking. Participants also reported greater alcohol craving, greater sedation, attenuated positive affect, and greater fear following simultaneous use compared to use of either substance alone. Our results add to a growing body of research characterizing proximal influences on simultaneous substance use. Findings highlight potential treatment targets for individuals seeking to better understand or cut down on their use of alcohol, cigarettes, or both. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Dual Use of Combustible Cigarettes and E-cigarettes: a Narrative Review of Current Evidence

Purpose of Review

E-cigarette use (vaping) among adults has increased, and various patterns of concurrent smoking and vaping (i.e., "dual use") have emerged. Understanding dual use is important for mitigating tobacco-related harm. This narrative review summarizes recent research on dual use, including prevalence and types of dual use, sociodemographic and psychiatric characteristics, nicotine dependence, reasons for dual use, harm perceptions, toxicant exposure, trajectories of dual use, and emerging treatments for dual use.

Recent Findings

Nearly half of e-cigarette users concurrently use cigarettes, and many smoke more frequently than they use e-cigarettes. This is concerning because dual users are exposed to both cigarette and potential e-cigarette toxicants and the data are mixed regarding the ability of e-cigarettes to promote smoking cessation.

Summary

Further work is needed to identify ways to increase complete smoking abstinence and optimize harm reduction among dual users, including strategies to encourage e-cigarette cessation after stopping smoking.

Tobacco/nicotine use among individuals using cannabis for therapeutic purposes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

While the relationship between recreational cannabis and nicotine use is well established, little is known about nicotine use among users of cannabis for therapeutic purposes (CTP).

METHODS

Patients attending a medical marijuana dispensary (N = 697; 75.3% White; 60.0% male) completed a survey examining nicotine use, motivation to quit cigarette smoking, routes of administration of nicotine and cannabis, and CTP qualifying conditions.

RESULTS

More than one-third (39.3%) of participants reported current nicotine use. Compared to exclusive cigarette smokers, e-cigarette users and non-users of nicotine were approximately four times more likely to vape, rather than to smoke, cannabis. Furthermore, 46.8% of cigarette smokers reported plans to quit smoking in the next 6 months (but not in the next month) and an additional 31.6% planned to quit in the next month. Having a psychiatric condition was associated with nicotine use and higher motivation to quit smoking.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Users of CTP are more likely to use nicotine products than the general population and the route of administration of nicotine products is related to the route of administration of CTP. If aerosolized CTP is a less harmful route of administration than smoked CTP, dispensary staff should be aware of this relationship and take this into account when recommending a noncombustible route.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

This study further characterizes nicotine use behaviors and motivation to quit smoking among users of CTP and may be among the first to examine nicotine use among patients of a medical marijuana dispensary.

Cross-Sectional Associations of Self-Reported Social/Emotional Support and Life Satisfaction with Smoking and Vaping Status in Adults

This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional association of self-reported social/emotional support and life satisfaction with smoking/vaping status in US adults. The study included 47,163 adult participants who self-reported social/emotional support, life satisfaction, and smoking/vaping status in the 2016 and 2017 BRFSS national survey data. We used multivariable weighted logistic regression models to measure the cross-sectional association of self-reported social/emotional support and life satisfaction with smoking/vaping status. Compared to never users, dual users and exclusive smokers were more likely to have low life satisfaction, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.770 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.135, 2.760) and an aOR = 1.452 (95% CI: 1.121, 1.880) respectively, especially for the age group 18-34. Exclusive cigarette smokers were more likely to have low life satisfaction compared to ex-smokers (aOR = 1.416, 95% CI: 1.095, 1.831). Exclusive cigarette smokers were more likely to have low social/emotional support (aOR = 1.193, 95% CI: 1.030, 1.381) than never users, especially those aged 65 and above. In addition, exclusive cigarette smokers were more likely to have low social/emotional support than ex-smokers, with an aOR = 1.279 (95% CI: 1.097, 1.492), which is more pronounced among the age group 18-34, as well as 65 and above. Our results suggest that life satisfaction and social/emotional support may play important roles in smoking and vaping, which should be incorporated into behavioral interventions to reduce tobacco use.

TOBACCO USE DISORDER AND DUAL DISORDERS Joint statement by the Spanish Psychiatry Society and the Spanish Dual Disorders Society

Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD) is a health problem of the first order in the world population, affecting a vulnerable population, such as people with other mental disorders, whose morbidity and mortality are increased as a result.

Patterns and associations of smoking and electronic cigarette use among survivors of tobacco related and non-tobacco related cancers: A nationally representative cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Tobacco-use among cancer survivors leads to preventable morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. We sought to explore the prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use among survivors of tobacco and non-tobacco related cancers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2015-2018 National Health Interview Survey. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of current cigarette smoking or e-cigarette use among adults with self-reported history of tobacco related or non-tobacco related cancer. Logistic regression analysis was to assess the association of reported cancer type with cigarette smoking or e-cigarette use. Secondary outcomes included yearly trends and dual use.

RESULTS

A total of 12,984 respondents reported a history of cancer, representing a weighted estimate of 5,060,059 individuals with a history of tobacco-related malignancy and 17,583,788 with a history of a tobacco and non-tobacco related cancer, respectively. Survivors of tobacco-related cancers had a significantly higher prevalence of current cigarette use (18.2 % vs 9.7 %, P < 0.0001), e-cigarette use (2.7 % vs 1.6 %, P < 0.0001) and similar rates of dual use. The prevalence of cigarette smoking among all survivors increased as time increased from the year of diagnosis up to 2 years post-diagnosis (P = 0.047). Odds of reporting current cigarette smoking use was higher for survivors of tobacco-related cancers, adjusted for sociodemographic factors (OR1.69, 95 % CI 1.44-1.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of tobacco-related cancers have a higher prevalence of current cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use compared to survivors of non-tobacco related cancers. There was a sequential increase in the prevalence of cigarette use during each subsequent year from the time of a new cancer diagnosis, underscoring the need for long term tobacco cessation support among newly diagnosed adults with cancer.

Assessing Sex, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Mental Health Concerns in Tobacco Use Disorder Treatment Research: Measurement Challenges and Recommendations From a Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Pre-conference Workshop

This paper reports on topics discussed at a Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco pre-conference workshop at the 2019 annual Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco meeting. The goal of the pre-conference workshop was to help develop a shared understanding of the importance of several tobacco-related priority groups in tobacco use disorder (TUD) treatment research and to highlight challenges in measurement related to these groups. The workshop focused on persons with minoritized sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation identities; persons with minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds; persons with lower socioeconomic status (SES); and persons with mental health concerns. In addition to experiencing commercial tobacco-related health disparities, these groups are also underrepresented in tobacco research, including TUD treatment studies. Importantly, there is wide variation in how and whether researchers are identifying variation within these priority groups. Best practices for measuring and reporting sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, SES, and mental health concerns in TUD treatment research are needed. This paper provides information about measurement challenges when including these groups in TUD treatment research and specific recommendations about how to measure these groups and assess potential disparities in outcomes. The goal of this paper is to encourage TUD treatment researchers to use measurement best practices in these priority groups in an effort to conduct meaningful and equity-promoting research. Increasing the inclusion and visibility of these groups in TUD treatment research will help to move the field forward in decreasing tobacco-related health disparities. Implications: Tobacco-related disparities exist for a number of priority groups including, among others, women, individuals with minoritized sexual and gender identities, individuals with minoritized racial and ethnic backgrounds, individuals with lower SES, and individuals with mental health concerns. Research on TUD treatments for many of these subgroups is lacking. Accurate assessment and consideration of these subgroups will provide needed information about efficacious and effective TUD treatments, about potential mediators and moderators, and for accurately describing study samples, all critical elements for reducing tobacco-related disparities, and improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in TUD treatment research.

Association of psychological distress and current cigarette smoking among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults and compared to adults from other racial/ethnic groups: Data from the National Health Interview Survey, 2014

Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. Research has documented an association between psychological distress and smoking among certain racial/ethnic groups but has not examined this association among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults. Data from the 2014 general and the NHPI-specific National Health Interview Surveys were analyzed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Regional Campus (Fayetteville, AR) in April 2021 to determine the association between current cigarette smoking and levels of psychological distress among NHPI adults and to assess the difference in the magnitude of that association among NHPI adults compared to adults of other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. The final analytic sample (n = 34,782) included 1,916 NHPI, 20,430 White, 4,725 Black, 2,001 Asian, and 5,710 Hispanic adults. A significant association between current cigarette smoking and psychological distress levels was found among NHPI adults as well as among adults from other racial/ethnic groups. There was no significant difference in the magnitude of the detected association among NHPI adults compared to the magnitude of the same association detected among adults of other racial/ethnic groups. However, this finding indicates race/ethnicity does not moderate the association between psychological distress and current cigarette smoking. Future studies should explore factors that may further explain the variation in current cigarette smoking within and across all racial/ethnic groups.

Internalizing problems are associated with initiation and past 30-Day use of flavored tobacco products

OBJECTIVE

Tobacco use remains disproportionately common among adults with internalizing problems. The rising prevalence of flavored tobacco use among this population may be a contributing factor. Using data from Wave 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, this study examined differences across adult ever tobacco users by severity of internalizing problems, in initiation of tobacco use with a flavored product and past 30-day (current) flavored tobacco use (n = 27,425). Severity of internalizing problems was measured using the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs-Short Screener Internalizing Disorder Screener. Tobacco use variables included initiation with or current use of a flavored product, assessed separately for each product. Weighted chi-square tests and multivariable modified Poisson regression models were used to examine the associations between severity of internalizing problems and each outcome.

RESULTS

Controlling for covariates, ever users with severe internalizing problems were more likely to have initiated with flavors for cigarettes (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09,1.24), cigarillos (aPR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.16), electronic nicotine products (aPR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.13) and smokeless tobacco (aPR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.27), relative to those with low internalizing problems. Ever users with severe internalizing problems were more likely to currently use a flavored tobacco product for cigarettes (aPR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.24) and cigarillos (aPR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.28).

CONCLUSIONS

Flavored tobacco use seems disproportionately common among tobacco users with severe internalizing problems, across a variety of measures.

Exclusive and dual menthol/non-menthol cigarette use with ENDS among adults, 2013-2019

This study examines patterns of use for menthol/non-menthol cigarettes and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) from 2013 to 2019 among U.S. adults. We calculated the weighted population prevalence of current exclusive and dual use for each product (i.e., menthol/non-menthol cigarettes and ENDS) stratified by age, sex, race/ethnicity, household income, and education in all surveys using data from three nationally representative surveys: the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Waves 1–4 (W1-W4), 2013–2018; the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2015; and the Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) 2014–2015 (T1) and 2018–2019 (T2). Exclusive non-menthol cigarette use (PATH: 9.0%W1, 9.4%W4; NHIS: 8.7%; TUS-CPS: 8.1%T1, 6.9%T2) and dual non-menthol cigarette/ENDS use (PATH: 2.4%W1, 1.5%W4; NHIS: 1.5%; TUS-CPS: 1.1%T1, 0.6%T2) were the most common single and dual tobacco use patterns, respectively, across all surveys. Both exclusive menthol cigarette use (3.9%T1-3.3%T2) and non-menthol cigarette use (8.1%T1-6.9%T2) declined in TUS-CPS from 2014/5–2018/9. Dual menthol cigarette/ENDS use also declined (PATH: 1.5%W1-1.1%W4; TUS-CPS: 0.5%T1-0.3%T2), as did dual non-menthol cigarette/ENDS use (PATH: 2.4%W1-1.5%W4; TUS-CPS 1.1%T1-0.6%T2). Across surveys, exclusive menthol cigarette use and dual menthol cigarette/ENDS use were more common among individuals aged 25–34 years old; non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs); and low-income earners. Single and dual use patterns of menthol/non-menthol cigarettes and ENDS have declined over time. Nevertheless, certain vulnerable population groups, including NHBs and low-income earners, disproportionately use exclusive menthol cigarettes and dual menthol cigarette/ENDS, making menthol bans a potential policy target for reducing tobacco-related health disparities.

Serious Psychological Distress Is Associated with Higher Intentions to Quit among Smokers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 has increased the rates of serious psychological distress (SPD) among the general population. However, the SPD among smokers during the pandemic remains understudied. In a parent study, 1,004 U.S. adult smokers with and without SPD were randomized to view messages about COVID-19 risk, smoking risk, combined COVID-19 and smoking risk, or control. Outcomes were smoking quit intentions and COVID-19 protective behavior intentions. We analyzed the prevalence of SPD among current smokers; the associations between SPD, personal characteristics, and smoking and COVID-19 protective behavioral intentions; and whether SPD moderated the effect of messages about risks of smoking and COVID-19.Thirty-six percent of smokers met the criteria for SPD. Odds of having SPD were higher for older, everyday smokers, who had COVID-19, had poor health and conservative ideology. Smokers with SPD were significantly more likely to report intentions to quit smoking and seek counseling than smokers without SPD, controlling for demographics, readiness to quit, and message condition. SPD was not significantly related to COVID-19 protective intentions. The interactions between SPD and messages were nonsignificant. During the pandemic, smokers with SPD may be motivated to quit smoking, which provides an opportunity for targeted interventions to increase quit attempts.

Intersectionality of serious psychological distress, cigarette smoking, and substance use disorders in the United States: 2008-2018

BACKGROUND

Serious psychological distress (SPD) is common among adults who smoke cigarettes and among adults with substance use disorders (SUD). It is unknown whether the burden of SPD is even greater among individuals with both cigarette smoking and SUDs. This study examined the intersectionality of SPD, cigarette smoking, and SUD over time.

METHODS

Data came from annual, cross-sectional, nationally representative samples of the United States (US) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (individuals age 12+). Past-month SPD prevalences were estimated each year from 2008 to 2018 for adults age 18+ with current daily, current non-daily, former, and never cigarette smoking by SUD status (combined n = 441,286). Logistic regression models examined linear time trends of SPD.

RESULTS

In 2018, SPD was significantly more prevalent among adults in each smoking group with SUD versus those without SUD (daily 29.1% vs. 9.0%, non-daily 23.2% vs. 8.6%, former 19.5% vs. 3.2%, never 16.4% vs. 4.3%). After adjusting for sociodemographics, SPD prevalence increased over time across smoking statuses with a larger change for persons with SUD (AOR=1.07; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.09) vs. no SUD (AOR=1.03; 95% CI: 1.02. 1.04).

CONCLUSIONS

SPD was more than twice as common among adults with SUD who smoke cigarettes compared to those without SUD who do not smoke cigarettes, with the highest prevalence among adults with both SUD and daily smoking. While SPD has increased over time, differences depended on SUD status beyond the effect of cigarette smoking. These results provide further evidence for treating smoking and mental health problems together.

E-Cigarette Use among Current Smokers Experiencing Homelessness

Two-thirds of cigarette smokers experiencing homelessness report using alternative tobacco products, including blunts, cigarillos (little cigars) or roll-your-own tobacco or electronic nicotine delivery systems such as e-cigarettes. We examined attitudes toward e-cigarette use and explored whether e-cigarette use patterns were associated with past-year cigarette quit attempts among current smokers experiencing homelessness. Among the 470 current cigarette smokers recruited from homeless service sites in San Francisco, 22.1% (n = 65) reported the use of e-cigarettes in the past 30 days ('dual users'). Compared to cigarette-only smokers, dual users considered e-cigarettes to be safer than cigarettes. Patterns of e-cigarette use, including the number of times used per day, duration of use during the day, manner of use and nicotine concentration were not associated with past-year cigarette quit attempts. Studies that examine the motivations for use of e-cigarettes, particularly for their use as smoking cessation aids, could inform interventions for tobacco use among people experiencing homelessness.

The Effect of Cigarette Use and Dual-Use on Depression and Sleep Quality

Background: Recently, the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes rises among Korean adults. This study examined between-groups differences in depression and sleep quality based on smoking/vaping status. Methods: The groups were classified into non-users, cigarette users, and dual-users according to the present use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Data from the 2018 Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) were used in this study. The participants were 153,646 adults aged > 19cyears. Results: One-way analysis of covariance models showed that dual-users reported significantly higher depression scores (PHQ-9) and significantly lower sleep quality (PSQI-K), respectively, than did cigarette users and non-users. Conclusions: These results imply that dual-use can have a negative impact on mental health. This study supports previous studies on the harmfulness of dual-use and suggests that more studies related to the dual-use of cigarettes should be conducted in the future.

Substance Use among Exclusive Electronic Cigarette Users and Dual Combustible Cigarette Users: Extending Work to Adult Users

BACKGROUND

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have become increasingly popular in recent years. Existing evidence indicates e-cigarettes used in isolation are less harmful than combustible cigarettes, yet emerging work has demonstrated that adults use e-cigarettes largely in combination with combustible cigarettes (i.e. dual use). Despite this data, little is understood about how exclusive and dual e-cigarette users may differ across behavioral outcomes, such as substance use dependence and behaviors among adults.

OBJECTIVES

Thus, the current project examined differences in e-cigarette dependence, problematic alcohol use, cannabis use, and nonmedical prescription opioid use (e.g. methadone and oxycodone) across both exclusive and dual e-cigarette adult users.

RESULTS

Participants included 531 (53.6% female; M_age = 35.29 years, SD = 10.44) adults with past-month e-cigarette use. Dual users reported greater e-cigarette dependence, alcohol use, current cannabis use, and endorsement of nonprescription opioid use. Conclusions/Importance: Importantly, this work suggests that adults who use both combustible and e-cigarettes may constitute a group more vulnerable to experiencing problematic substance use and more severe e-cigarette dependence than exclusive e-cigarette users.