A systematic review of transitions between cigarette and smokeless tobacco product use in the United States

Switching between vaping devices, nicotine concentration, and flavors among people who use e-cigarettes daily: Results from a 12-Month longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

E-cigarettes vary widely in product characteristics (e.g., device type, nicotine concentration, and flavor). Little is known about how people who use e-cigarettes switch between products with different characteristics. We tracked the stability/variability in characteristics of products used by individuals who vaped e-cigarettes daily over one year.

METHODS

Of 126 enrolled participants who vaped e-cigarettes daily and did not use other nicotine products, 80 completed 12 monthly study visits. Participants reported device type, nicotine concentration, and flavors used in the past 30 days at each visit. Participants were also asked to bring e-cigarette devices and e-liquids to each visit. Study staff took pictures of products carried by participants and categorized product characteristics.

RESULTS

Over one year, 35.0 % of participants did not change device type, nicotine concentration, or flavor type. However, 35 % of participants changed device type, 31.3 % changed nicotine concentration, and 46.3 % changed flavor at least once. The most common change in device type was switching from open to closed system devices (67.9 %). The rate of switching from low to high nicotine (≤24 vs. > 24 mg/mL) was more common than the reverse (56.6 % vs. 43.4 %). The most common change in flavor was switching between Fruit/Sweet and Hybrid (Fruit/Sweet with a cooling additive, 75.7 % of flavor switching events).

CONCLUSIONS

Most study participants switched one product characteristic at least once during a 12-month study period. Users most frequently switched flavors and least frequently switched nicotine concentrations. Future studies should consider the variability of product use patterns among people who use e-cigarettes.

Comparison of Influence of Office and 24-h Central Aortic Blood Pressure on Target Organ Damage in Hypertension

The aim of this study was to explore whether 24-h ambulatory central (aortic) blood pressure (BP) has an advantage over office central aortic BP in screening for hypertension-mediated target organ damage (HMOD). A total of 714 inpatients with primary hypertension and the presence of several cardiovascular risk factors or complications involving clinical HMOD were enrolled. Twenty-four hour central aortic BP was measured by means of a noninvasive automated oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph). Office BP was measured with a validated oscillometric Omron device after a 5-min rest in a sitting position. Central aortic pressure waveforms were derived from the radial pressure waveforms with a validated transfer function of the Sphygmocor software, version 8.0 (Atcor Medical, Sydney, Australia). Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) measurement was performed by sequential placement of the transducer on the femoral artery and carotid artery and determining transit time between the two pulses in reference to the R wave of the ECG. cf-PWV was calculated as the measured distance from the suprasternal notch to the femoral artery minus the distance from the suprasternal notch to the carotid artery divided by the pulse transit time. HMOD was defined as the presence of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) above normal values and/or carotid plaque, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), renal abnormalities as assessed by urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) above normal values and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or increased cf-PWV > 10 m/s. In the study cohort of 714 (age 54.52 ± 13.24 years, 74.6% male) patients with primary hypertension, LV mass index (LVMI) was significantly higher in males (p < 0.002) and eGFR was significantly lower in males (p < 0.001). However, there was no statistical significance between males and females in IMT, ACR, and cfPWV. When accounting for confounding factors (age, sex, BMI, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, glucose, smoking, and heart rate), central systolic (cSBP), diastolic (DBP), and pulse (cPP) pressure obtained with 24-h monitoring was more strongly correlated with LVMI than office measurements. Twenty-four hour cSBP and cPP were more strongly correlated with IMT than those of office monitoring. The 24-h augmentation index (AIx) was more strongly correlated with eGFR than office AIX. Twnety-four hour cSBP and cPP were more strongly correlated with lgACR. Office AIx and cPP were more strongly correlated with c-fPWV than 24-h measurements while cSBP, DBP, and cPP obtained by both methods were equally correlated with c-fPWV. Ambulatory central (aortic) pressure may be more strongly related to HMOD than office CAP which may have an advantage in screening for c-fPWV. Trial Registration: Registration number: ChiCTR2000040308.

Patterns of poly tobacco use among adults in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, 2013-2017: a multistate Markov transition analysis

BACKGROUND

A better understanding of sociodemographic transition patterns between single, dual and poly tobacco product use may help improve tobacco control policy interventions.

METHODS

HRs of transition between never, non-current (no past 30-day use), cigarette, e-cigarette, other combustible, smokeless tobacco (SLT), dual and poly tobacco use states in adults were estimated for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education and income using a multistate model for waves 1-4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study (2013-2017), a US-based cohort study, accounting for complex survey design.

RESULTS

Sole cigarette and SLT use were persistent, with 77% and 78% of adults continuing use after one wave. Other use states were more transient, with 29%-48% of adults reporting the same pattern after one wave. If single-product users transitioned, it was most likely to non-current use while dual or poly cigarette users were most likely to transition to exclusive cigarette use. Males were more likely than females to initiate combustible product use after a history of no use, and after a period of tobacco use cessation. Hispanic and non-Hispanic black participants initiated cigarette use at higher rates than non-Hispanic white participants, and had higher rates of experimentation with tobacco products between study waves. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher rates of transition into combustible tobacco use.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual and poly tobacco use is largely transient, while single-use patterns are more stable over time. Transitions differ by age, sex, race/ethnicity, education and income, which may influence the impact of current and future tobacco control efforts.

Longitudinal Assessment of Association Between Tobacco Use and Tobacco Dependence Among Adults: Latent Class Analysis of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Waves 1-4

INTRODUCTION

With increasing tobacco product varieties, understanding tobacco use (TU) profiles and their associations with tobacco dependence (TD) has also become increasingly challenging.

AIMS AND METHODS

We aimed to identify TU profiles and their associations with TD over time, and to identify subgroups with high risk of TD. We included 3463 adult recent tobacco users who had complete TU and TD data across waves 1-4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study. We used a composite index of TD and a summed TD score from an established 16-item TD measure. We applied a latent class analysis to identify TU profiles based on participants' usage of eight common tobacco product groups at each survey wave and to check the stability of the TU profiles over time. We then used generalized estimating equations regressions to evaluate the longitudinal TU-TD association, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

We identified three distinct TU profiles that remained consistent across four survey waves: Dominant cigarette users (62%-68%), poly users with high propensity of using traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cigars (24%-31%), and dominant smokeless product users (7%-9%). Covariate-adjusted models showed that TD was significantly lower among the poly users and the dominant smokeless users, compared to that among the dominant cigarette users.

CONCLUSIONS

Both TU profiles and their associations with TD were stable over time at the population level. Poly users and smokeless product users were consistently associated with lower TD than cigarette-dominant users, suggesting the need for tailored tobacco cessation interventions for users with different TU profiles.

IMPLICATIONS

The finding of consistent TU profiles across four survey waves extends the current literature in capturing TU patterns in an evolving tobacco product landscape. The finding of the overall higher level of TD among the cigarette-dominant users compared to the other TU latent profiles (the Cig+eCig+Cigar dominant poly users and the dominant smokeless product users) can help identify high-risk groups for potential interventions. Our application of innovative statistical methods to high-quality longitudinal data from the PATH study helps improve the understanding of the dynamic TU-TD relationship over time.

Predictors of Cessation in Men Using a Tobacco Quitline: A Follow-Up Study

INTRODUCTION

Although the effectiveness of tobacco quitline services for people who smoke cigarettes is well established, less is known about other forms of tobacco. This study aimed to compare quit rates and factors contributing to tobacco abstinence in men reporting dual use (smokeless tobacco and one additional combustible tobacco product), smokeless tobacco use only, and cigarette use only.

METHODS

Self-reported 30-day point-prevalence tobacco abstinence at the 7-month follow-up was calculated in males who registered with the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and completed a 7-month follow-up survey (N=3,721) (July 2015-November 2021). Logistic regression analysis completed in March 2023 identified variables associated with abstinence in each group.

RESULTS

Abstinence was reported by 33% in the dual-use group, 46% in the smokeless-tobacco-use-only group, and 32% in the cigarette-use-only group. Eight or more weeks of nicotine replacement therapy provided by the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline was associated with tobacco abstinence in men who reported dual use (AOR=2.7, 95% CI=1.2, 6.3) and exclusive smoking (AOR=1.6, 95% CI=1.1, 2.3). The use of all nicotine replacement therapy was associated with abstinence in men who used smokeless tobacco (AOR=2.1, 95% CI=1.4, 3.1) and who smoked (AOR=1.9, 95% CI=1.6, 2.3). The number of helpline calls was associated with abstinence in men who used smokeless tobacco (AOR=4.3, 95% CI=2.5, 7.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Men in all three tobacco-use groups who fully utilized quitline services showed a greater likelihood of tobacco abstinence. These findings underscore the importance of quitline intervention as an evidence-based strategy for people who use multiple forms of tobacco.

Transitions to smokeless tobacco use among adult cigarette smokers in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, Waves 3-5 (2015-2019)

OBJECTIVE

Examine patterns of dual use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco and complete switching over time among adult current cigarette smokers using data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Wave 3 (2015-2016), Wave 4 (2016-2018) and Wave 5 (2018-2019).

METHODS

We examined four tobacco use states among 6834 exclusive smokers and 372 dual users at Wave 3 with two waves of follow-up data: exclusive cigarette use, exclusive smokeless tobacco use, dual use and use of neither product.

RESULTS

Among exclusive smokers at Wave 3, only 1.6% (95% CI: 1.3% to 2.1%) transitioned to dual use at Wave 4, and 0.1% (95% CI: 0.07% to 0.2%) switched to exclusive smokeless tobacco use. Among exclusive smokers who switched to dual use, 53.1% (95% CI: 40.9% to 64.9%) returned to exclusive cigarette smoking, 34.3% (95% CI: 23.8% to 46.6%) maintained dual use and 12.6% (95% CI: 7.0% to 21.7%) did not smoke cigarettes after an additional wave of follow-up. Dual users at Wave 3 were likely to maintain their dual use status at Wave 4, 51.2% (95% CI: 46.1% to 56.3%) and Wave 5, 47.9% (95% CI: 40.1% to 55.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Very few cigarette smokers transition to smokeless tobacco use, and among those who do, dual use is more common than exclusive smokeless tobacco use. Further, the majority of exclusive cigarette smokers who transition to dual use at Wave 4 continue smoking cigarettes at Wave 5, either as dual users or as exclusive smokers.

A longitudinal study of transitions between smoking and smokeless tobacco use from the ITC Bangladesh Surveys: implications for tobacco control in the Southeast Asia region

Background

In Southeast Asia, tobacco use is a major public health threat. Tobacco users in this region may switch between or concurrently use smoked tobacco and smokeless tobacco (SLT), which makes effective tobacco control challenging. This study tracks transitions of use among different product users (cigarettes, bidis, and SLT) in Bangladesh, one of the largest consumers of tobacco in the region, and examines factors related to transitions and cessation.

Methods

Four waves (2009-2015) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Bangladesh Survey with a cohort sample of 3245 tobacco users were analysed. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models were used to explore the socioeconomic correlates of transitions from the exclusive use of cigarettes, bidis, or SLT to the use of other tobacco products or quitting over time.

Findings

Among exclusive cigarette users, most remained as exclusive cigarette users (68.1%). However, rural smokers were more likely than urban smokers to transition to bidi use (odds ratio [OR] = 3.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.45-6.29); to SLT use (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.79-4.02) and to quit tobacco (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.06-2.33). Among exclusive bidi users, transitional patterns were more volatile. Fewer than half (43.3%) of the exclusive bidi users maintained their status throughout the waves. Those with higher socio-economic status (SES) were more likely to quit (OR = 4.16, 95% CI = 1.08-13.12) compared to low SES smokers. Exclusive SLT users either continued using SLT or quit with minimal transitions to other products (≤2%). Nevertheless, males were more likely to switch to other tobacco products; younger (OR = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.23-6.90 vs. older), more educated (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.77-3.12 vs. less educated), and urban SLT users (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30-0.86 for rural vs. urban users) were more likely to quit.

Interpretation

Complex transitional patterns were found among different types of tobacco product users over time in Bangladesh. These findings can inform more comprehensive and multi-faceted approaches to tackle diversified tobacco use in Bangladesh and neighbouring countries in the Southeast Asia region with similar tobacco user profiles of smoked tobacco and SLT products.

Funding

This is an unfunded observational study with the use the ITC Bangladesh datasets. The ITC Bangladesh Surveys were supported by grants from the US National Cancer Institute (P01 CA138389), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC Grant 104831-003), and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP-79551, MOP-115016).

Prevalence and trend of smokeless tobacco use and its associated factors among adolescents aged 12-16 years in 138 countries/territories, 1999-2019

BACKGROUND

Smokeless tobacco use is popular in some regions worldwide, but it receives less attention compared to cigarette smoking. We aimed to estimate the recent prevalence of, and trends in, smokeless tobacco use and to examine its associated factors among adolescents aged 12-16 years in 138 countries/territories (hereafter "countries") from 1999 to 2019.

METHODS

Data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in 138 countries in 2010-2019 and the National Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in the United States in 2019 were used to calculate the prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use and investigate its associated factors among adolescents aged 12-16 years. We also assessed the trend in the prevalence of smokeless tobacco use in 100 countries that had conducted more than one survey from 1999 to 2019.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of current smokeless tobacco use was 4.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.0-4.9), with 5.7% (5.1-6.3) for boys, 3.1% (2.6-3.5) for girls, 3.9% (3.5-4.4) for adolescents aged 12-14 years and 5.4% (4.8-5.9) for those aged 15-16 years. The prevalence was highest in the South-East Asian region (6.1%, 4.4-7.7) and lowest in the Western Pacific region (2.0%, 1.7-2.4). The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use decreased in 57 of 100 countries, increased in 32 countries, and remained unchanged in 11 countries. Current cigarette smoking (odds ratio [OR]=2.00, 95% CI=1.68-2.39), other tobacco product use (OR=6.03, 95% CI=4.92-7.40), tobacco advertisement exposure (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.19-1.74), being offered free tobacco products (OR=2.01, 95% CI=1.66-2.42), and not being taught about dangers of smoking (OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.09-1.50) were all positively associated with current smokeless tobacco use.

CONCLUSIONS

Smokeless tobacco use among adolescents remains a public health concern worldwide. Although the prevalence among adolescents decreased in most countries, it remains high especially in the South-East Asian region. More strict and effective strategies and measures are needed to further curb the smokeless tobacco use among adolescents.

Exploring factors associated with smokeless tobacco use among young people: A systematic scoping review

PURPOSE

While smoking is declining among young people, smokeless tobacco use is increasing. Identifying who is using smokeless tobacco and why is essential in preventing smokeless tobacco use. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the factors of young people's use of smokeless tobacco in western countries and identify research gaps.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic scoping review of studies that examined factors associated with smokeless tobacco use among young people (ages 13-29) from western countries published between January 2011 and September 2021. Searches were conducted in CINAHL, Medline, and Scopus. Studies on adults, total tobacco use (i.e., did not differentiate between tobacco product types), dual and multiple uses of tobacco, and studies on smokeless tobacco cessation programs were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 160 studies were included in this scoping review. The studies were primarily undertaken in the US and the Scandinavian countries, and the majority explored smokeless tobacco use without distinguishing between the specific types. Smokeless tobacco users were more likely to be male, non-Hispanic white, engaging in physical activity, and using other substances, including cigarettes and alcohol. The role of friends and family were identified as critical factors that were related to the use of smokeless tobacco.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review suggests that preventative measures against smokeless tobacco use should focus on peer and family members' roles and that these measures may benefit from targeting males. Additional research, including systematic reviews on this area to validate the identified associated factors, would improve the understanding of smokeless tobacco use.

Estimating the public health impact had tobacco-free nicotine pouches been introduced into the US in 2000

BACKGROUND

For smokers not intending to quit, switching to a reduced-risk nicotine product should be healthier than continuing smoking. We estimate the health impact, over the period 2000-2050, had the nicotine pouch ZYN hypothetically been introduced into the US in 2000. ZYN's toxicant profile and method of use is like that for Swedish snus, a product with known health effects much less than smoking.

METHODS

Our modelling approach is similar to others developed for estimating potential effects of new tobacco products. It starts with a simulated cohort of 100,000 individuals in the year 2000 subdivided by age, sex, and smoking status (including years since quitting). They are followed annually accounting for births, net immigrations, deaths and product use changes, with follow-up carried out in the Base Case (ZYN not introduced) and Modified Case (ZYN introduced). Using informed assumptions about initiation, quitting and switching rates, distributions of the population over time are then constructed for each Case, and used to estimate product mortality based on assumptions about the relative risk according to product use.

RESULTS

Whereas in both Base and Modified Cases, the prevalence of any current product use is predicted to decline from about 22% to 10% during follow-up, in the Modified Case about 25% of current users use ZYN by 2050, about a quarter being dual users and the rest ZYN-only users. Over the 50 years, deaths at ages 35-84 from product use among the 100,000 are estimated as 249 less in the Modified than the Base Case, equivalent to about 700,000 less in the whole US. Sensitivity analyses varying individual parameter values confirm the benefits of switching to ZYN, which increase as either the switching rate to ZYN increases or the initiation rate of ZYN relative to smoking increases. Even assuming the reduction in excess mortality risk using ZYN use is 20% of that from smoking rather than the 3.5% assumed in the main analyses, the reduction in product-related deaths would still be 213, or about 600,000 in the US.

CONCLUSIONS

Although such model-based estimates involve uncertainties, the results suggest that introducing ZYN could substantially reduce product-related deaths.

The Kentucky SimSmoke Tobacco Control Policy Model of Smokeless Tobacco and Cigarette Use

BACKGROUND

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) prevalence was decreasing in Kentucky before 2007, but has since increased. This study examines the impact of policies on cigarette and SLT use by applying the SimSmoke tobacco control policy simulation model.

METHODS

Using data from the large-scale Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) and information on state-specific tobacco policies, Kentucky SimSmoke is updated and extended to incorporate exclusive SLT and dual cigarette and SLT use. The model is validated using survey data through 2017. The model was used to estimate the impact on smoking and SLT prevalence and attributable deaths of policies implemented between 1993 and 2018 and the impact of stronger future policies implemented in 2018 and maintained through 2060.

RESULTS

SimSmoke generally reflects trends in exclusive cigarette use from the TUS-CPS and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), but underestimated the increase in SLT prevalence in recent years. SimSmoke projects that policies implemented between 1993 and 2018 reduced male and female cigarette use by 23.7% and 23.0%, and male and female SLT use by 4.9% by 2018, averting 9018 tobacco-attributable deaths by 2018, increasing to 89 547 by 2060. The largest reductions in cigarette and SLT use were attributed to cigarette price increases. Strengthening tobacco control policies could reduce smoking prevalence by 41% and 40%, and reduce SLT prevalence by 33% and 25% for males and females by 2060.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that cigarette-oriented policies were effective in reducing SLT use but have been less successful in recent years. Future use rates can be further reduced through more restrictive statewide policies, which also target non-combustible nicotine products.

Disparate Associations of 24-h Central Aortic and Brachial Cuff Blood Pressure With Hypertension-Mediated Organ Damage and Cardiovascular Risk

Objective

Aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of non-invasive central aortic and peripheral (brachial) blood pressure (BP) for Hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk.

Methods

We evaluated associations of HMOD with 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) of central aortic and peripheral BP indices in patients with primary hypertension and presence of several cardiovascular risk factors. BP measurements were performed by means of a non-invasive automated oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph). HMOD was defined as the presence of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) above normal values and/or carotid plaque, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and/or renal abnormalities as assessed by urine albumin/creatinine ratio above normal values and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m².

Results

In the study cohort of 273 (age 55.2 ± 13.4 years, 71.8% male) patients with primary hypertension, documented HMOD was present in 180 (65.9%), LVH in 70 (25.6%), increased IMT in 129 (47.3%). Fifty-six patients (20.5%) had kidney organ damage (20.5% albuminuria and 2.6% impaired eGFR). When accounting for confounding factors (age, sex, body-mass-index, antihypertensive treatment, smoking, triacylglycerol, statin treatment, glucose, hypoglycemic therapy, or heart rate) only peripheral 24-h pulse pressure (PP) maintained statistical significance with HMOD indices (OR: 1.126, 95% CI: 1.012~1.253; p = 0.029). Using ASCVD risk score as the independent continuous variable in multiple linear regression, 24-h central systolic pressure (SBP) (β = 0.179; 95% CI:0.019~0.387; p = 0.031), daytime central PP (β = 0.114; 95% CI:0.070~0.375; p = 0.005, night-time central SBP (β = 0.411; 95% CI:0.112~0.691; p = 0.007) and night-time PP (β = 0.257; 95% CI:0.165~0.780; p = 0.003) were all positively associated with ASCVD risk.

Conclusions

Blood pressure obtained by 24-h ABPM was better correlated with HMOD than office BP. Whilst 24-h peripheral BP showed a stronger association with HMOD than 24-h central BP, the prognostic value of 24-h central BP for the 10-year ASCVD risk was superior to 24-h peripheral BP.

Estimating the Population Health Impact of Recently Introduced Modified Risk Tobacco Products: A Comparison of Different Approaches

INTRODUCTION

Various approaches have been used to estimate the population health impact of introducing a Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP).

AIMS AND METHODS

We aimed to compare and contrast aspects of models considering effects on mortality that were known to experts attending a meeting on models in 2018.

RESULTS

Thirteen models are described, some focussing on e-cigarettes, others more general. Most models are cohort-based, comparing results with or without MRTP introduction. They typically start with a population with known smoking habits and then use transition probabilities either to update smoking habits in the "null scenario" or joint smoking and MRTP habits in an "alternative scenario". The models vary in the tobacco groups and transition probabilities considered. Based on aspects of the tobacco history developed, the models compare mortality risks, and sometimes life-years lost and health costs, between scenarios. Estimating effects on population health depends on frequency of use of the MRTP and smoking, and the extent to which the products expose users to harmful constituents. Strengths and weaknesses of the approaches are summarized.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite methodological differences, most modellers have assumed the increase in risk of mortality from MRTP use, relative to that from cigarette smoking, to be very low and have concluded that MRTP introduction is likely to have a beneficial impact. Further model development, supplemented by preliminary results from well-designed epidemiological studies, should enable more precise prediction of the anticipated effects of MRTP introduction.

IMPLICATIONS

There is a need to estimate the population health impact of introducing modified risk nicotine-containing products for smokers unwilling or unable to quit. This paper reviews a variety of modeling methodologies proposed to do this, and discusses the implications of the different approaches. It should assist modelers in refining and improving their models, and help toward providing authorities with more reliable estimates.

Association of Smokeless Tobacco Use With the Use of Other Illicit Drugs in the United States

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase in the use of smokeless tobacco recently. Whether smokeless tobacco use may predispose individuals to use other addictive substances is unknown. The use of multiple addictive substances may compound an individual's adverse health effects.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional analysis, we used the 2016-2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey database to identify all individuals who reported the use of smokeless tobacco and extracted data regarding baseline and demographic patterns, as well as information regarding the use of other addictive substances. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, poverty level, education, employment status, and marital status were used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for use of alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana among smokeless tobacco users.

RESULTS

We identified 30,395 (3.38%) individuals in our study population who reported smokeless tobacco use. Compared with non-users, smokeless tobacco users were more likely to be unmarried, male, Caucasian, belonging to the lower socioeconomic strata, and did not have a formal college education (P <0.01). In multivariable analyses, smokeless tobacco use was associated with a higher likelihood of cigarettes use (OR: 1.76 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.66-1.86, P <0.01]), e-cigarette use (OR: 1.61 [95% CI: 1.52-1.71, P <0.01]), and heavy alcohol consumption (OR:2.36 [95% CI: 2.17-2.56, P <0.01]) but not marijuana use (OR: 1.11 [95% CI: 0.90-1.38, P = 0.33]).

CONCLUSION

In a large, nationally representative sample, smokeless tobacco use was associated with the increased use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and alcohol. Simultaneous use of these substances may compound the adverse health effects of smokeless tobacco use. Public health interventions addressing this concerning trend are warranted.

Promoting Tobacco Use Among Students: The U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company College Marketing Program

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

From the 1970s-1990s the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USST) conducted aggressive campaigns to solicit college students to buy their smokeless tobacco (ST) products. The scope, scale, methods, and impact of this youth marketing campaign have yet to be analyzed in the academic literature.

STUDY DESIGN

Historical research study.

METHODS

Internal industry documents describing the USST campaigns were obtained via the University of California, San Francisco's repository of tobacco company records. Marketing materials were obtained from Stanford University's Research Into the Impact of Tobacco Advertising (SRITA) collection of 657 USST advertisements.

RESULTS

USST's College Marketing Program (1978-mid 1980s) sponsored events in some 350 campuses and hired student representatives in at least 175 colleges and universities across America. College representatives were trained to provide free samples to fellow students. Over a typical school year approximately a quarter million Happy Days, Skoal, and Skoal Bandits samples were handed out to undergraduates. USST paid their student representatives well and offered them a variety of incentives based upon sales growth. During the 1990s, USST's Skoal Music program engaged students on campuses and at "spring break" venues such as Daytona Beach.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting of college students on campus was a common tobacco industry practice between the 1940s and early 1960s. From the 1970s through 1990s USST resurrected the method and pursued it with vigor including: distribution of free samples; sponsored events and concerts, branded intramural teams; visits by sports celebrities; logo wearables and merchandise; contests and incentives; and displays and promotions in stores on and surrounding campuses. Laryngoscope, 131:E1860-E1872, 2021.

Longitudinal pathways of exclusive and polytobacco smokeless use among youth, young adults and adults in the USA: findings from the PATH Study Waves 1-3 (2013-2016)

OBJECTIVE

Use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) with other tobacco products is growing, yet gaps in understanding transitions among SLT and other product use remain. The aim of this study is to examine cross-sectional prevalence and longitudinal pathways of SLT use among US youth (12-17 years), young adults (18-24 years) and adults 25+ (25 years and older).

DESIGN

Data were drawn from the first three waves (2013-2016) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal cohort study of US youth and adults. Respondents with data at all three waves (youth, n=11 046; young adults, n=6478; adults 25+, n=17 188) were included in longitudinal analyses.

RESULTS

Young adults had the highest current SLT use compared with other age groups. Among Wave 1 (W1) past 30-day youth and young adult SLT users, most were SLT and cigarette polytobacco users compared with adults 25+, who more often used SLT exclusively. Among W1 exclusive SLT users, persistent exclusive use across all three waves was more common among adults 25+, while transitioning from exclusive SLT use to SLT polytobacco use at Wave 2 or Wave 3 was more common among youth and young adults. Among W1 SLT and cigarette polytobacco users, a common pathway was discontinuing SLT use but continuing other tobacco use.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed distinct longitudinal transitions among exclusive and SLT polytobacco users. Deeper understanding of these critical product transitions will allow for further assessment of population health impact of these products.

Young Adult Tobacco and E-cigarette Use Transitions: Examining Stability Using Multistate Modeling

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to describe tobacco and nicotine product use state transition probabilities among youth and young adults over time.

METHODS

A national sample of young adult tobacco product users and nonusers between the ages of 18 and 34 years at baseline was surveyed at 6-month intervals for 3 years. Use and nonuse states were defined as mutually exclusive categories based on self-reported, past 30-day use of the various products. Never use, noncurrent use, and current use of combustible, noncombustible tobacco, and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products was assessed at each interval. A multistate model was fit to estimate transition probabilities between states and length of stay within each state.

RESULTS

After 6 months, same-state transition probabilities were high for all use states (0.76-0.96), except for dual product use (0.48). After 3 years, transition probabilities were smaller and tended to converge toward combustible product use for baseline e-cigarette (0.42), combustible (0.51), and dual product users (0.52). Age was inversely associated with transition risk from never or noncurrent use to use of combustible or e-cigarette products.

CONCLUSIONS

Never and noncurrent users, followed by combustible product users, were most likely to remain in those states throughout the 3-year observation interval. Users of any tobacco or e-cigarette product at baseline were most likely to transition to combustible product use or noncurrent use by the final follow-up.

IMPLICATIONS

This study describes the probability of transitioning between various states of tobacco product use, including never and no current use, over a span of 3 years in a sample of young adults. This type of longitudinal description, which includes all tobacco product use states, is lacking in most studies that tend to focus on one or only a few products. The results suggest that it is important to assess outcomes over a sufficiently long period to capture true variability in patterns of product use.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Snus Examining the Effect of Complete Versus Partial Cigarette Substitution on Smoking-Related Behaviors, and Biomarkers of Exposure

INTRODUCTION

This 8-week multisite, randomized controlled trial of snus examined the differential effects of instructions on (1) snus use, (2) smoking and smoking-related measures, and (3) exposure to tobacco-related constituents.

METHOD

US adult daily cigarette smokers (n = 150; 43.3% female; Medianage = 43.5) were recruited from Minneapolis, Minnesota; Columbus and Coshocton, Ohio; and Buffalo, New York. Following a 1-week sampling phase of snus, participants who used at least 7 pouches were randomized to either (1) partial substitution (PS; "use snus as you like with your cigarettes"), (2) complete substitution (CS; "avoid cigarettes"), or (3) usual brand cigarettes (UB). Analyses included between-group analyses (eg, PS vs. CS) using Wilcoxon rank sum test of cigarettes per day and snus pouches per day, and a linear mixed model (biomarkers).

RESULTS

Compared to the PS and UB groups, smokers assigned to CS reported greater reductions in cigarettes per day (ps < .001), using more snus pouches per day (p = .02), and more smoke-free days (CS median = 14.5, PS and UB medians = 0, p < .001). In addition, results demonstrated reductions in carbon monoxide (p < .001), total nicotine equivalents (p = .02), and four out of five measured volatile organic compounds (ps < .01) over time among the CS group. Exposure to N'-nitrosonornicotine increased by trial end only among the PS group (p < .04). Phenanthrene tetraol increased among all groups by trial end (p = .02) with no difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Instructions to completely switch from cigarettes to snus resulted in the greatest reduction in cigarettes and exposure to harmful constituents.

IMPLICATIONS

Directly instructing smokers to switch completely to snus, rather than using ad libitum (with no instructions to avoid cigarettes), is necessary for reductions in smoking and subsequent exposure to harmful constituents.

Cigarette smokers' concurrent use of smokeless tobacco: dual use patterns and nicotine exposure

BACKGROUND

The concurrent use of cigarettes with other tobacco products, such as smokeless tobacco (SLT), is increasingly common. Extant work with cigarette smokers who also use SLT is based heavily on retrospective reports and between-group comparisons. The purpose of this study was to assess prospectively the patterns of dual users' product use and nicotine exposure on days when cigarettes were smoked exclusively (single use) versus concurrently with SLT (dual use).

DESIGN

Forty-six dual cigarette-SLT users recorded their product use in real time via ecological momentary assessment for a 2-week longitudinal design. They responded to questions about situational factors (eg, location, mood) using this same diary, and collected saliva samples each night for later cotinine measurement. At the end of this 2-week period, users reported on their reasons for and beliefs about SLT use.

RESULTS

Cotinine levels were significantly higher on dual versus single use days (mean±SEM=374.48±41.08 ng/mL vs 300.17±28.13 ng/mL, respectively; p<0.01), and the number of cigarettes logged was higher on dual versus single use days (11.13±0.98 vs 9.13±1.11, respectively; p<0.01). Product use was distinguished by situational factors, with the strongest predictor being location of use. Moreover, the most common reason for initiating (56.52%) and continuing (67.39%) SLT use was to circumvent indoor smoking restrictions.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support the idea of product supplementation rather than replacement among this convenience sample of dual users. For smokers whose primary motivation for SLT use involves situations where they would otherwise be tobacco free, the potential benefits of clean indoor air laws may be diminished.

Marketing exposure and smokeless tobacco use initiation among young adults: A longitudinal analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study examines the relationships between self-reported exposure to smokeless tobacco marketing and initiation/onset of smokeless tobacco use/susceptibility at 6-month follow-up, among a cohort of young adults in urban Texas.

METHODS

Participants were 3597 18-25 year old never smokeless tobacco users, attending 24 Texas two-year colleges and four-year universities. A multi-level, multivariate logistic regression model, accounting for school clustering, examined the impact of self-reported recall of smokeless tobacco marketing exposure at baseline and subsequent initiation of smokeless tobacco use. A subsample analysis of non-susceptible never users (n = 3097) examined the impact of self-reported exposure to smokeless tobacco marketing at baseline and onset of susceptibility to use smokeless tobacco. Both outcomes were assessed at 6-month follow-up. Baseline covariates included age, race/ethnicity, sex, two-/four-year institution, and other tobacco use. For the full analysis, susceptibility to use smokeless tobacco at baseline was included as a covariate.

RESULTS

From baseline to 6-month follow-up, 6.1% of never users initiated smokeless tobacco use (n = 219) and 7.0% of non-susceptible never users became susceptible to smokeless tobacco use (n = 221). Self-reported recall of smokeless tobacco marketing exposure at baseline was associated with initiation of smokeless tobacco (Adj OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08-1.27) and onset of susceptibility to use smokeless tobacco (Adj OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.02-1.21) at 6-month follow-up, controlling for all covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings build on previous research by demonstrating an association between recall of smokeless tobacco marketing and subsequent use. Findings are concerning given the 300% increase in smokeless tobacco marketing expenditures from 2006 to 2016.

The Minnesota SimSmoke Tobacco Control Policy Model of Smokeless Tobacco and Cigarette Use

INTRODUCTION

A previous Minnesota SimSmoke tobacco control policy model is extended to more recent years and to include smokeless tobacco use.

METHODS

Using data from the 1993 Tobacco Use Supplement and information on state policies, the Minnesota SimSmoke model was updated and extended to incorporate smokeless tobacco (both exclusive and dual use) and smokeless tobacco-attributable deaths. The model was then validated against the 2002, 2006/2007, and 2014/2015 Tobacco Use Supplement and the 1999, 2007, 2014, and 2018 Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey and used to estimate the impact of policies implemented between 1993 and 2018. Analysis was conducted in April 2019.

RESULTS

The model validated well for cigarette and earlier smokeless tobacco use, but it predicted smokeless tobacco use less well in recent years. The model projected that male (female) smoking prevalence was 35% (36%) lower in relative terms by 2018 and 43% (44%) lower by 2040 owing to policies, with lesser reductions projected for male smokeless tobacco use. Tobacco-attributable deaths were reduced by 7,800 by 2018 and 46,900 by 2040. Price increases, primarily through taxes, were projected to have had the greatest impact on cigarette use followed by smoke-free air laws, cessation treatment policies, tobacco control campaign expenditures, and youth access enforcement. Similar effects were projected for smokeless tobacco use, except that smoke-free air laws had smaller effects.

CONCLUSIONS

As cigarettes remain the dominant form of nicotine delivery product, cigarette-oriented policies may be an effective means of reducing the use of all nicotine delivery products. However, noncigarette-oriented policies may also play an important role.

Examining the Transitions Between Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Product Use in the United States Using the 2002-2003 and 2010-2011 Longitudinal Cohorts

Introduction

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in the United States has remained constant or even increased slightly in recent years, whereas smoking has continuously decreased. Characterization of transitions between tobacco products is critical to understand the reasons behind the continuing use of smokeless tobacco.

Methods

Two longitudinal cohorts of Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS), 2002-2003 (n = 14996) and 2010-2011 (n = 18226), were used to examine transitions between cigarette and SLT use over 1-year periods. Weighted population percentages of four use categories (exclusive cigarette use, exclusive SLT use, dual use, and neither) were calculated for different demographic groups. Transition between use categories and quit rates by product were calculated for each cohort.

Results

Relative to 2002-2003, smoking quit rates of male exclusive smokers significantly increased in 2010-2011 (11.6% vs. 24.4%, p < .0001), but the corresponding SLT use quit rates remained stable (41.3% vs. 40.0%, p = .87). Similar patterns were found in females with smoking quit rates increasing considerably (12.3% vs. 24.2%, p < .0001). Smoking quit rates increased in most sociodemographic groups analyzed. Male SLT use quit rates were significantly lower in SLT exclusive users than in dual users in the 2010-2011 cohort (40.0% vs. 62.2%; p = .04), but smoking quit rates in exclusive smokers and in dual users were roughly equivalent (24.4% vs. 29.5%, p = .68).

Conclusions

Although smoking quit rates doubled overall and increased in most sociodemographic groups, SLT quit rates remained constant with little transition between products. Longer-term prospective data examining polytobacco use are needed to better understand transitions between tobacco products.

Implications

This study uses two longitudinal surveys to investigate changes in switching behaviors between tobacco products. We found that quit rates of self-reported smoking doubled between 2002-2003 and 2010-2011 in most sociodemographic groups in the United States, whereas in contrast quit rates of self-reported Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) use remained roughly constant. This explains in part the opposing trends of tobacco use by product in the United States, with smoking continuing its decrease, whereas SLT use remains constant. Moreover, smokers were unlikely to switch to other forms of tobacco compared to SLT users. Lastly, smoking cessation for dual users was not significantly different from that of exclusive smokers. Understanding transitions between smoking and SLT use is critical to assess the potential long-term impact of SLT use, and potentially that of other alternative tobacco products, on tobacco-related health outcomes.

Snus and Snuff Use in Switzerland Among Young Men: Are There Beneficial Effects on Smoking?

Introduction

There are few recent longitudinal studies on smokeless tobacco (SLT) products and smoking outside the United States or European Nordic countries. The present longitudinal study tests whether Swedish-type snus and nasal snuff use decreases smoking incidence and prevalence in a central European country.

Methods

The sample consisted of 5198 Swiss men (around 20 years of age). Retention rate was 91.5% over 15 months. Regression models, adjusting for a variety of psychosocial, smoking-related, and other risk factors, assessed whether no, low (less than weekly), and high (weekly or more) use baseline groups showed changes or maintenance in snus and snuff use related to smoking initiation, cessation, and reduction.

Results

Among baseline nonsmokers, snus initiators (OR = 1.90, p = .003) and low baseline maintainers (OR = 4.51, p < .001) were more likely to start smoking (reference: persistent nonusers of snus). Among baseline smokers, initiators (OR = 2.79, p < .001) and low baseline maintainers (OR = 2.71, p = .005) more often continued smoking, whereas snus quitters less frequently continued smoking (OR = 0.57, p = .009). High baseline maintainers were non-significantly less likely to continue smoking (OR = 0.71, p = .315). Among continuing smokers, only snus quitters significantly reduced the number of cigarettes smoked per day (b = -1.61, p = .002) compared with persistent nonusers of snus. Results were similar for snuff.

Conclusions

SLT use did not have any significant beneficial effects on young men in Switzerland but significantly increased the likelihood of smoking initiation and continuation, independent of whether the substance is legally sold (snuff) or not (snus). This does not exclude that there may be beneficial effects at older ages.

Implications

Our research provides evidence that SLT use has no benefits for cigarette smoking initiation, cessation, or reduction among young men in a central European country, where SLT is not highly promoted or receives tax incentives. This is true for both legally sold nasal snuff and Swedish-type snus that cannot be legally sold. Results indicate that without incentives for using it, among young people shifts from smoking to SLT use are questionable and confirms the need for country-specific studies before the global public health community engages in promoting SLT.

Impact of snus use in teenage boys on tobacco use in young adulthood; a cohort from the HUNT Study Norway

Background

As smoking rates decreased, the use of Swedish snus (smokeless tobacco) concordantly increased in Norway. The role of snus as possible contributor to the reduction of smoking has been widely discussed. Our aim was to quantitate transitions in snus use, smoking and dual use of snus and cigarettes in a young male population.

Methods

This prospective cohort study includes 1346 boys participating in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study in Young-HUNT1 1995–97, age 13–19 and in HUNT3 2006–08, age 23–30. Participants reported on tobacco use at both points of time. Models with binominal regression were applied to examine relative risks (RRs), of adolescent ever snus users, dual users or smokers (reference: never tobacco use), to be current snus only users, smokers (including dual users), or tobacco free in adulthood.

Results

Current tobacco use in this male cohort increased from 27% in adolescence to 49% in adulthood, increasing more for snus only use and dual use than for smoking only.

The adjusted RR (95% CI) of becoming a smoker as young adult, was 2.2 (CI 1.7–2.7) for adolescent snus users, 3.6 (CI 3.0–4.3) for adolescent dual users, and 2.7 (CI 2.2–3.3) for adolescent smokers. RR to become snus only users as adults was 3.1 (2.5–3.9) for adolescent dual users, 2.8 (2.2–3.4) for adolescent snus users and 1.5 (1.0–2.2) for adolescent smokers. The adjusted RR for the transition from adolescent tobacco use to no tobacco use in adulthood was similar for snus users and smokers with RR 0.5 (CI 0.4–0.7), but considerably lower for dual users with RR 0.2 (CI 0.2–0.3).

Conclusions

The use of snus, with or without concurrent smoking, carried a high risk of adult smoking as well as adult snus only use. Dual use seemed to promote the opportunity to become snus only users in adulthood, but made it also more difficult to quit. The benefit of snus use for harm reduction is not evident in our cohort, as the combination of smoking and dual use resulted in high smoking rates among the young adults.

Alarming development of dual snus and cigarette usage among young Finnish males

Background

The consumption of tobacco products has evolved to include more complex combinations of different products. We investigated the tobacco habits of a representative population of young Finnish male conscripts in order to evaluate the prevalence of dual use of cigarettes and snus as well as the transition from one tobacco product to another. In addition, we evaluated the correlation between the level of education and the use of cigarettes and snus.

Methods

A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in three out of 17 garrisons among conscripts during their first week of service in 2014. A total of 1971 male conscripts were selected by simple random sampling of the 9013 males in the selected garrisons. Of them 1916 participated and filled in the questionnaire. The response rate was 97.2%. The questionnaire consisted of 25 questions including age, gender, basic education, use of tobacco products as well as questions assessing nicotine dependency.

Results

The amount of dual users of cigarettes and snus was 21%. There was a higher probability of dual use of cigarettes and snus among smokers compared to snus users (p < 0.001). One third (35%) of former smokers reported daily snus use and over 40% of the former snus users smoked daily. One third (34%) of the participants reported snus usage and 14% of the study subjects used snus daily. 40% of the study population were smokers and over 25% smoked daily. Of the participants with basic educational background 57% smoked daily (p < 0.001), however, no association between snus and level of education was found (p = 0.69).

Conclusions

This study provides better understanding of the complex tobacco habits of young adult males. The simultaneous usage of multiple tobacco products as well as the high tendency to transition from one tobacco product to another should be taken into consideration when planning cessation interventions in health care settings and tobacco control policies at societal levels.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7519-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Financial Conflicts of Interest and Stance on Tobacco Harm Reduction: A Systematic Review

Background. Tobacco companies have actively promoted the substitution of cigarettes with purportedly safer tobacco products (e.g., smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes) as tobacco harm reduction (THR). Given the tobacco, e-cigarette, and pharmaceutical industries' substantial financial interests, we quantified industry influence on support for THR. Objectives. To analyze a comprehensive set of articles published in peer-reviewed journals assessing funding sources and support for or opposition to substitution of tobacco or nicotine products as harm reduction. Search Methods. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO with a comprehensive search string including all articles, comments, and editorials published between January 1, 1992, and July 26, 2016. Selection Criteria. We included English-language publications published in peer-reviewed journals addressing THR in humans and excluded studies on modified cigarettes, on South Asian smokeless tobacco variants, on pregnant women, on animals, not mentioning a tobacco or nicotine product, on US Food and Drug Administration-approved nicotine replacement therapies, and on nicotine vaccines. Data Collection and Analysis. We double-coded all articles for article type; primary product type (e.g., snus, e-cigarettes); themes for and against THR; stance on THR; THR concepts; funding or affiliation with tobacco, e-cigarette, pharmaceutical industry, or multiple industries; and each author's country. We fit exact logistic regression models with stance on THR as the outcome (pro- vs anti-THR) and source of funding or industry affiliation as the predictor taking into account sparse data. Additional models included article type as the outcome (nonempirical or empirical) and industry funding or affiliation as predictor, and stratified analyses for empirical and nonempirical studies with stance on THR as outcome and funding source as predictor. Main Results. Searches retrieved 826 articles, including nonempirical articles (21%), letters or commentaries (34%), editorials (5%), cross-sectional studies (15%), systematic reviews and meta-analyses (3%), and randomized controlled trials (2%). Overall, 23.9% disclosed support by industry; 49% of articles endorsed THR, 42% opposed it, and 9% took neutral or mixed positions. Support from the e-cigarette industry (odds ratio [OR] = 20.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.3, 180.7), tobacco industry (OR = 59.4; 95% CI = 10.1, +infinity), or pharmaceutical industry (OR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.3, 3.7) was significantly associated with supportive stance on THR in analyses accounting for sparse data. Authors' Conclusions. Non-industry-funded articles were evenly divided in stance, while industry-funded articles favored THR. Because of their quantity, letters and comments may influence perceptions of THR when empirical studies lack consensus. Public Health Implications. Public health practitioners and researchers need to account for industry funding when interpreting the evidence in THR debates.

A Computational Model for Assessing the Population Health Impact of Introducing a Modified Risk Claim on an Existing Smokeless Tobacco Product

Computational models are valuable tools for predicting the population effects prior to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization of a modified risk claim on a tobacco product. We have developed and validated a population model using best modeling practices. Our model consists of a Markov compartmental model based on cohorts starting at a defined age and followed up to a specific age accounting for 29 tobacco-use states based on a cohort members transition pathway. The Markov model is coupled with statistical mortality models and excess relative risk ratio estimates to determine survival probabilities from use of smokeless tobacco. Our model estimates the difference in premature deaths prevented by comparing Base Case ("world-as-is") and Modified Case (the most likely outcome given that a modified risk claim is authorized) scenarios. Nationally representative transition probabilities were used for the Base Case. Probabilities of key transitions for the Modified Case were estimated based on a behavioral intentions study in users and nonusers. Our model predicts an estimated 93,000 premature deaths would be avoided over a 60-year period upon authorization of a modified risk claim. Our sensitivity analyses using various reasonable ranges of input parameters do not indicate any scenario under which the net benefit could be offset entirely.

Longitudinal Tobacco Use Transitions Among Adolescents and Young Adults: 2014-2016

INTRODUCTION

Among youth, the frequency and prevalence of using more than one tobacco (small cigar, cigarette, and hookah) or nicotine-containing product (e-cigarettes-ENDS) are changing. These shifts pose challenges for regulation, intervention, and prevention campaigns because of scant longitudinal data on the stability of use patterns in this changing product landscape.

METHODS

A nationally representative longitudinal survey of 15- to 21-year olds (n = 15,275) was used to describe transitions between never use, noncurrent use, and past 30-day use of combustible tobacco, e-cigarettes (ENDS), and dual use of both kinds of products. A multistate model was fit to observations collected every 6 months across 2.5 years to estimate the probability of transitions between states (TPs), the average time in state (sojourn time), and the effect of age on transitions.

RESULTS

Current state strongly predicted future state over time intervals of 1 year or less, but only weakly predicted future state at longer intervals: TP to noncurrent use was higher for ENDS-only than combustible-only users over a 6-month interval but was similar for both groups over a 2-year interval. Sojourn time was significantly longer for combustible-only (0.52 years) and dual use (0.55 years) than ENDS-only use (0.27 years); older youth were more likely than younger youth to stay combustible tobacco users or noncurrent users.

CONCLUSIONS

The dynamics of transitions between combustible tobacco products and ENDS in a population of youth and young adults suggest that policy and prevention efforts must consider the frequent changes and instability over a 1-year or less time period in use patterns among young people.

IMPLICATIONS

The study addresses an urgent need in public health for timely information on how youth and young adults use tobacco and nicotine products. We found that youth, particularly adolescents, moved frequently between using ENDS and combustible tobacco products either alone or together. Importantly, the utility of current-use states for predicting future use states declined for time horizons longer than 1 year. Our results demonstrate a need for caution in interpreting product transitions. Longitudinal data with frequent observations and coverage of a wide range of possible product types is required to fully characterize usage patterns in youth.

Central aortic pressure improves prediction of cardiovascular events compared to peripheral blood pressure in short-term follow-up of a hypertensive cohort

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess indices of a comprehensive panel of central aortic pressure and arterial stiffness for prediction of cardiovascular events in a hypertensive cohort.Methods: Noninvasive measurements of central aortic blood pressure, brachial pressure, wave reflection augmentation index, pressure amplification, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) were obtained in 675 hypertensive patients (age 61 ± 9 years, 425 males) for a mean follow-up period 25 ± 4 months. The primary endpoints were defined as cardiovascular disease (CVD) events or death from CVD.Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, central systolic (cSBP) and pulse pressure (cPP) showed higher hazard ratios (HR/10 mmHg) for cardiovascular events (CV) compared to peripheral pressure indices (pSBP, pPP) at age >60 years (cSBP: HR = 1.18, pSBP: HR = 1.17, p = 0.034; cPP: HR = 1.28, pPP: HR = 1.2, p = 0.019). Each SD increase in IMT and in central augmented pressure (cAP) entailed a 1.4 times higher risk of increased total events in elderly patients (age >60 years). For males, each SD increase in cAP was associated with 1.36 times higher risk of increased total events. For females, each SD increase in cAIx and cAP was associated with 0.4 and 0.5 times lower risk of increased total and major CV, respectively. This sex difference is most likely due to lack of age-related increase of cAIx in females after age >60 years compared to males.Conclusions: Central pressure improved prediction of CVD compared to peripheral pressure during a relatively short-term follow up of approximately 2 years at age >60 years.

Correlates of Transitions in Tobacco Product Use by U.S. Adult Tobacco Users between 2013⁻2014 and 2014⁻2015: Findings from the PATH Study Wave 1 and Wave 2

More than half of adult tobacco users in the United States (U.S.) transitioned in tobacco product use between 2013⁻2014 and 2014⁻2015. We examine how characteristics of adult tobacco users in the U.S. relate to transitions in tobacco product use. Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study data were analyzed from 12,862 adult current tobacco users who participated in Wave 1 (W1, 2013⁻2014) and Wave 2 (W2, 2014⁻2015). Three types of transitions were examined-(1) adding tobacco product(s); (2) switching to non-cigarette tobacco product(s); and (3) discontinuing all tobacco use-among those currently using: (1) any tobacco product; (2) cigarettes only (i.e., exclusive cigarette); and (3) cigarettes plus another tobacco product(s) (i.e., poly-cigarette). Multinomial logistic regression analyses determined relative risk of type of transition versus no transition as a function of demographic and tobacco use characteristics. Transitions in tobacco product use among adult tobacco users were common overall, but varied among different demographic groups, including by age, sex, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and poverty level. Further, cigarette smokers with higher dependence scores were more likely to add product(s) and less likely to discontinue tobacco use compared to those with low dependence scores. That high nicotine dependence is a barrier to discontinuing tobacco use adds evidence to support policy to lower nicotine content of cigarettes and to evaluate new products for their potential to reduce cigarette use.

Tobacco product transition patterns in rural and urban cohorts: Where do dual users go?

Introduction

Understanding diverse tobacco product consumption represents a crucial area for tobacco regulatory science. With the increase in dual/poly use of tobacco products, transition patterns among exclusive and dual users are of considerable interest. We describe transition patterns of dual users over 18 months.

Methods

A cohort of 145 adults in urban and rural Ohio who reported dual tobacco product use at least some days/week was enrolled during 2014–17. Participants completed follow-up interviews every six months where they were classified into one of five categories: 1) exclusive combustible, 2) exclusive smokeless, 3) exclusive e-cigarette, 4) dual (at least 2 of the previous 3 categories), and 5) less than some days/week. Participants categorized as exclusive and dual (1–4) used their products at least some days per week. Separately within the rural and urban cohorts, 6, 12, and 18 month transition probabilities between the categories were estimated.

Results

The probability of remaining a dual user after 6 months is 43% in the rural and 37% in the urban cohort. The decline continues through 18 months with 24% of rural and 22% of urban dual users remaining in the category. The probability of a dual user consuming combustibles and e-cigarettes transitioning to exclusive combustible use in 6 months is over 50% in both the rural and urban cohorts.

Conclusions

Dual use is an unstable state with users being more likely to transition to exclusive combustible use than to remain in the dual use category. Transitions are similar in the rural and urban cohorts.

•

Exclusive tobacco users remain loyal to their product category over time.

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Dual tobacco users often transition to the use of an exclusive category.

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Tobacco product transition patterns are similar between rural and urban cohorts.

A National Comparison of Dual Users of Smokeless Tobacco and Cigarettes and Exclusive Cigarette Smokers, 2015-2016

Introduction

While smoking rates have declined, use of smokeless tobacco (ST) has remained constant. ST is heavily marketed to cigarette smokers, and many ST users smoke cigarettes. This study provides updated comparisons of the characteristics, smoking behaviors, and perceptions of US adult dual ST and cigarette users and exclusive cigarette smokers in 2015-2016.

Methods

Data were from nationally representative, cross-sectional surveys from 2015 and 2016. Adult smokers reported past 30-day use of ST, current cigarette smoking, risk perceptions, smoking, and quitting behaviors. We estimated Rao-Scott χ2 and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) to compare dual users and exclusive smokers.

Results

Dual users were more likely to be younger, reside in nonmetropolitan statistical areas (MSA) and outside the Northeast United States. Adjusting for covariates, dual users did not differ significantly from exclusive smokers on most smoker characteristics, including number of past year quit attempts. Dual users were more likely to report past 30-day use of novel tobacco products (AORs 2.90 [little cigars and cigarillos] to 11.02 [hookah]). Dual users who reported at least 1 past year cigarette quit attempt were more likely than exclusive smokers to report using ST, traditional cigars, hookah, or heat-not-burn as a past year quit method (AOR: 9.54 [95% CI: 3.22 to 28.23]).

Conclusions

Smokers who use ST are more likely than exclusive smokers to attempt to quit smoking cigarettes using other tobacco products. These findings may be attributed to increasing use prevalence of novel products. We recommend further monitoring to assess polytobacco use and differences among these populations.

Implications

Many current ST users smoke cigarettes and ST promotions often target cigarette smokers. As the FDA considers ST regulations and implements a nicotine centered regulatory framework, it is imperative to evaluate how these policies and promotion of ST as potentially reduced risk products impact dual and polytobacco use. Our study found that many dual users engage in novel tobacco use in general and as a cessation method. Consideration of ST and polytobacco use among smokers may be helpful in the development of forthcoming FDA regulations, messaging, and interventions.

The US SimSmoke tobacco control policy model of smokeless tobacco and cigarette use

Background

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) prevalence had been declining in the US prior to 2002 but has since increased. Knowledge about the impact of tobacco control policies on SLT and cigarette use is limited. This study examines the interrelationship between policies, cigarette use, and SLT use by applying the SimSmoke tobacco control policy simulation model.

Methods

Using data from large-scale Tobacco Use Supplement and information on policies implemented, US SimSmoke was updated and extended to incorporate SLT use. The model distinguishes between exclusive SLT and dual use of SLT and cigarettes, and considers the effect of implementing individual and combined tobacco control policies on smoking and SLT use, and on deaths attributable to their use. After validating against Tobacco Use Supplement (TUS) survey data through 2015, the model was used to estimate the impact of policies implemented between 1993 and 2017.

Results

SimSmoke reflected trends in exclusive cigarette use from the TUS, but over-estimated the reductions, especially among 18–24 year olds, until 2002 and under-estimated the reductions from 2011 to 2015. By 2015, SimSmoke projections of exclusive SLT and dual use were close to TUS estimates, but under-estimated reductions in both from 1993 to 2002 and failed to estimate the growth in male exclusive SLT use, especially among 18–24 year olds, from 2011 to 2015. SimSmoke projects that policies implemented between 1993 and 2017 reduced exclusive cigarette use by about 35%, dual use by 32.5% and SLT use by 16.5%, yielding a reduction of 7.5 million tobacco-attributable deaths by 2067. The largest reductions were attributed to tax increases.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that cigarette-oriented policies may be effective in also reducing the use of other tobacco products. However, further information is needed on the effect of tobacco control policies on exclusive and dual SLT use and the role of industry.

E-cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Use and Switching Among Smokers: Findings From the National Adult Tobacco Survey

INTRODUCTION

Assessing the extent that cigarette smokers use or switch to e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco can help inform the population health impact of these products. This study estimated the prevalence of e-cigarette and smokeless tobacco use and switching among current and recent former adult cigarette smokers.

METHODS

Data from the 2012-2013 (n=8,891) and 2013-2014 (n=11,379) National Adult Tobacco Survey were analyzed in 2016. Response rates for this telephone survey were 44.9% and 36.1%, respectively. Tobacco product use was assessed by smoking status.

RESULTS

Current e-cigarette use increased for all groups, with a greater increase among recent quitters, 9.1% (95% CI=7.1%, 11.1%) in 2012-2013 and 15.8% (95% CI=13.7%, 17.9%) in 2013-2014, than smokers with an unsuccessful quit attempt, 10.4% (95% CI=9.1%, 11.7%) in 2012-2013 and 14.8% (95% CI=13.5%, 16.1%) in 2013-2014, or smokers with no quit attempt, 5.9% (95% CI=4.8%, 6.9%) in 2012-2013 and 10.7% (95% CI=9.4%, 12.0%) in 2013-2014. Between 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, current use of smokeless tobacco remained steady for recent quitters (4.6% to 4.7%, p=0.92) and smokers with no quit attempt (4.0% to 4.3%, p=0.97), and decreased in smokers with an unsuccessful quit attempt (5.7% to 3.8%, p=0.004). More recent quitters completely switched to e-cigarettes in the past year (15.3% in 2012-2013, 25.7% in 2013-2014) than to smokeless tobacco (4.6% in 2012-2013, 4.5% in 2013-2014).

CONCLUSIONS

Current and recent former adult smokers are more likely to use e-cigarettes than smokeless tobacco. Current e-cigarette use was most prevalent among unsuccessful quitters and recent quitters, who were substantially more likely to report complete switching to e-cigarettes than smokeless tobacco.

From Policy to Practice: Tobacco Use Cessation for Employees in the Veterans Health Administration

OBJECTIVE

To describe a comprehensive approach to increase tobacco use cessation in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employee population.

METHODS

The approach included: 1) national policy; 2) a pilot tobacco use cessation program; and 3) two operational surveys to assess system-wide tobacco use cessation service provision.

RESULTS

The proportion of VHA facilities offering a comprehensive tobacco use cessation program increased from 51% in 2010 to 72% in 2014, with 83% of facilities providing nicotine replacement therapy to employees. The WIN by Quitting Tobacco program was successful; employees who participated in the pilot program quit tobacco at high rates (64% at 1 month post quit date).

CONCLUSIONS

From policy to practice, the comprehensive approach to tobacco use cessation in VHA was successful and may serve as a model for future workplace health promotion and occupational safety and health initiatives.

Association of Noncigarette Tobacco Product Use With Future Cigarette Smoking Among Youth in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, 2013-2015

IMPORTANCE

Approximately 90% of adult smokers first tried a cigarette by 18 years of age, and even infrequent smoking in adolescence is associated with established adult smoking. Noncigarette tobacco use is increasing and could stimulate subsequent conventional cigarette smoking in youths.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the longitudinal association between noncigarette tobacco use and subsequent cigarette smoking initiation among US youth.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In this prospective cohort study of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) waves 1 (September 12, 2013, to December 14, 2014) and 2 (October 23, 2014, to October 30, 2015), a nationally representative sample of youths who never smoked a conventional cigarette at baseline and completed wave 2 follow-up (N = 10 384) was studied. PATH retention at follow-up was 87.9%.

EXPOSURES

Ever use and past 30-day use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), hookah, noncigarette combustible tobacco, or smokeless tobacco at baseline.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Ever use and past 30-day use of cigarettes at follow-up.

RESULTS

The present analysis was based on the 10 384 PATH youth respondents who reported never having smoked a cigarette in wave 1 and whose cigarette ever or past 30-day use was reported in wave 2 (mean [SD] age, 14.3 [1.7] years; age range, 12-17 years; 5087 [49.1%] female; 4829 [52.5%] white). At 1-year follow-up, 469 (4.6%) of all baseline never-smoking youths had tried a cigarette and 219 (2.1%) had smoked a cigarette within the past 30 days. Cigarette ever use at follow-up was higher among youths who had ever used e-cigarettes (78 [19.1%]), hookah (60 [18.3%]), noncigarette combustible tobacco (45 [19.2%]), or smokeless tobacco (29 [18.8%]) at baseline. After adjusting for sociodemographic, environmental, and behavioral smoking risk factors and for baseline ever use of other tobacco products, the odds of past 30-day cigarette use at follow-up were approximately twice as high among baseline ever users of e-cigarettes (odds ratio [OR], 1.87; 95% CI, 1.15-3.05), hookah (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.17-3.17), noncigarette combustible tobacco (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.00-3.19), and smokeless tobacco (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.10-3.87). Youths who had tried more than 1 type of tobacco product at baseline had 3.81 (95% CI, 2.22-6.54) greater adjusted odds of past 30-day cigarette smoking at follow-up than did baseline never tobacco users.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Any use of e-cigarettes, hookah, noncigarette combustible tobacco, or smokeless tobacco was independently associated with cigarette smoking 1 year later. Use of more than 1 product increased the odds of progressing to cigarette use.

Young or adult users of multiple tobacco/nicotine products urgently need to be informed of meaningful differences in product risks

Previously, it has been argued that health information efforts need to inform the public about meaningful differential risks from tobacco/nicotine products. The fact of multiple product use by the same individual further supports this need. When the majority of youth, for example, who use smokeless tobacco are also current tobacco smokers, it makes little sense to mount a smokeless prevention campaign that fails to include clear messages about the much greater risks from smoking. In April 2016, The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced a $36 million campaign for youth that "smokeless doesn't mean harmless." Research shows the public (a) already knows that smokeless tobacco is not harmless, but are (b) also largely unaware that cigarettes are much more harmful than smokeless. Though not harmless, smokeless tobacco has been estimated to be over 90% less harmful than cigarettes. 'Gateway' fears are made moot by current use of multiple tobacco/nicotine products. When multi-tobacco product use is commonplace among users, usable information on significant differences in risk is crucial for both adult and younger users. The FDA and like campaigns and health information websites should follow established ethical principles and accepted communication methods to inform the public of less-harmful tobacco/nicotine products as well as the greater harms of smoking, in keeping with the Surgeon-General's advice that reductions in smoking in particular will bring about the greatest public health advances.

Patterns of youth tobacco and polytobacco usage: The shift to alternative tobacco products

BACKGROUND

Despite significant declines in youth cigarette smoking, overall tobacco usage remains over 20% as non-cigarette tobacco product usage is increasingly common and polytobacco use (using 1+ tobacco product) remains steady.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was designed to identify patterns of youth tobacco use and examine associations with sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco dependence.

METHODS

The current analysis uses Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to examine the 6,958 tobacco users (n = 2,738 female) in the National Youth Tobacco Survey (2012 and 2013). We used as indicators past month use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, hookah, snus, pipes, bidis, and kreteks) and regressed resulting classes on sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco dependence.

RESULTS

Nine classes emerged: cigarette smokers (33.4% of sample, also included small probabilities for use of cigars and e-cigarettes), cigar smokers (16.8%, nearly exclusive), smokeless tobacco users (12.3%, also included small probabilities for cigarettes, cigars, snus), hookah smokers (11.8%), tobacco smokers/chewers (10.7%, variety of primarily traditional tobacco products), tobacco/hookah smokers (7.2%), tobacco/snus/e-cig users (3.3%), e-cigarette users (2.9%,), and polytobacco users (1.7%, high probabilities for all products). Compared to cigarette smokers, tobacco/hookah smokers and hookah smokers were more likely to report Hispanic ethnicity. Polytobacco users were more likely to report dependence (AOR:2.77, 95% CI:[1.49-5.18]), whereas e-cigarette users were less likely (AOR:0.49, 95% CI:[0.24-0.97]).

CONCLUSION

Findings are consistent with other research demonstrating shifts in adolescent tobacco product usage towards non-cigarette tobacco products. Continuous monitoring of these patterns is needed to help predict if this shift will ultimately result in improved public health.

Patterns of Use of Smokeless Tobacco in US Adults, 2013-2014

OBJECTIVES

To examine patterns of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use, by type, in wave 1 (2013-2014) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study in the United States.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 32 320 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) to assess the use of pouched snus and other SLT products (loose snus, moist snuff, dip, spit, and chewing tobacco).

RESULTS

Overall, SLT use was most common among men, younger adults, non-Hispanic Whites, and nonurban respondents. Pouched snus users were more likely to report nondaily and polytobacco use than users of other SLT products. Respondents who used SLT some days were more likely to be current established cigarette smokers than those who used SLT every day (57.9% vs 20.2%). Furthermore, current established smokers who used SLT some days were more likely to smoke every day and had a higher median number of cigarettes smoked per day than smokers who used SLT every day.

CONCLUSIONS

Polytobacco use, especially cigarette smoking, is common among SLT users. Pouched snus users are more likely to report nondaily snus use and polytobacco use than users of other SLT products.

The Effect of Working in a Smoke-Free Workplace on use of Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether smokeless tobacco (Maras powder) use increased among smokers working at smoke-free workplaces or not.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In Kahramanmaraş city, 242 male workers who were current or former smokers, working at strictly smoke-free workplaces were included in this study. A total of 21 questions, including the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, were asked.

RESULTS

All the participants were male with a mean age of 29.33±6.66 years, and the age range was 17-55 years. Current smokers were 90 (37.2%) and former smokers were 152 (62.8%). Former smokers were asked the reason why they quit smoking; the predominant reasons were the health hazards of smoking and the financial burden of cigarettes. The quitting rate was significantly higher among married participants (p=0.023). Maras powder users were 184 (76%), users who never smoked were 54 (22.3%), and former users were 4 (1.7%). We asked the Maras powder users if they had been using it before the smoking bans, and 96 workers (51.1%) answered "no." The question "Did the use of Maras powder increase with smoking bans"? was asked, and 118 workers (62.8%) answered "yes." The level of education among Maras powder users was significantly lower than non-users (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Working in smoke-free workplaces is associated with increased rates of quitting smoking and also with increased use of Maras powder, a local form of oral smokeless tobacco.

Burden of waterpipe smoking and chewing tobacco use among women of reproductive age group using data from the 2012-13 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey

BACKGROUND

Despite the general decline in cigarette smoking, use of alternative forms of tobacco has increased particularly in developing countries. Waterpipe (WP) and Chewing Tobacco (CT) are two such alternative forms, finding their way into many populations. However, the burden of these alternative forms of tobacco and their socio demographic determinants are still unclear. We assessed the prevalence of WP and CT use among women of reproductive age group in Pakistan.

METHODS

Data from the most recent Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2012-13 (n = 13,558) was used for this analysis. Information obtained from ever married women, aged between 15 and 49 years were analyzed using two separate data subgroups; exclusive WP smokers (total n = 12,995) and exclusive CT users (total n = 12,771). Univariate and Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted and results were reported as crude and adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Prevalence of WP smoking and CT were 4% and 2%, respectively. After multivariate adjustments, ever married women who were: older than 35 years (OR; 4.68 95% CI, 2.62-8.37), were poorest (OR = 4.03, 95% CI 2.08-7.81), and had no education (OR = 9.19, 95% CI 5.10-16.54), were more likely to be WP smokers. Similarly, ever married women who were: older than 35 years (OR = 3.19, 95% CI 1.69-6.00), had no education (OR = 4.94, 95% CI 2.62-9.33), were poor (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.07-2.48) and had visited health facility in last 12 months (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.22-2.70) were more likely to be CT users as well.

CONCLUSION

Older women with lower socio-economic profile were more likely to use WP and CT. Focused policies aiming towards reducing the burden of alternate forms of tobacco use among women is urgently needed to control the tobacco epidemic in the country.