Reasons for Trying E-cigarettes and Risk of Continued Use

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a longitudinal study investigating the reasons why youth continue to use e-cigarettes over time. The study also examines the risk factors associated with continued use and frequency of use. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights for regulatory strategies to prevent continued use of e-cigarettes in youth.

Key Points:

* The study used data from middle and high school students who were surveyed in fall 2013 and spring 2014.
* The study focused on youth who had ever used e-cigarettes and examined the reasons why they continued to use them at follow-up.
* The reasons for continued use were categorized into four groups: desirable attributes, social norms, goal-directed reasons, and general interest.
* The study found that trying e-cigarettes because of low cost, the ability to use them anywhere, and to quit smoking regular cigarettes predicted continued use.
* Younger students, traditional cigarette smokers, and those trying e-cigarettes for low cost or to use them anywhere were more likely to continue e-cigarettes or use on more days.
* The study suggests that regulatory strategies such as increasing cost or prohibiting e-cigarette use in certain places may be important for preventing continued use in youth.
* Interventions targeting current cigarette smokers and younger students may also be needed.

Main Message:
This study highlights the importance of understanding the reasons why youth continue to use e-cigarettes over time. The findings suggest that regulatory strategies such as increasing cost or prohibiting e-cigarette use in certain places may be effective in preventing continued use in youth. Additionally, interventions targeting current cigarette smokers and younger students may be necessary to reduce the risk of continued e-cigarette use. The results of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and regulators to consider when developing strategies to prevent youth e-cigarette use.

Bold, Krysten W., Grace Kong, Dana A. Cavallo, Deepa R. Camenga, and Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin. “Reasons for Trying E-Cigarettes and Risk of Continued Use.” Pediatrics 138, no. 3 (September 1, 2016): e20160895. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-0895.