Electronic cigarette use among US adults in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, 2013–2014

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a nationally representative survey of tobacco use among US adults. The study examines patterns of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among daily and non-daily adult users, and compares e-cigarette users based on demographic and tobacco use characteristics, use patterns, product characteristics, and reasons for use. The study offers valuable insights into the complex nature of e-cigarette use and its relationship with cigarette smoking.

Key Points:

* The prevalence of current e-cigarette use among adults in the PATH Study was 5.5%.
* Among current e-cigarette users, 42.2% reported infrequent use, 36.5% reported moderate use, and 21.3% reported daily use.
* Daily e-cigarette use was associated with being a former smoker, using rechargeable or refillable devices, and purchasing products online.
* Among both daily and non-daily established e-cigarette users, 89.5% reported using an e-cigarette that contains nicotine and 67.4% reported a non-tobacco flavoured regular brand.
* Blu was the most frequently reported brand for both daily (23.3%) and non-daily (41.2%) users.
* Non-daily e-cigarette users were more likely to be young adults (18-24 years) and more likely to currently smoke cigarettes or use other combusted tobacco products compared with daily e-cigarette users.
* The stability and impact of these complex behavioural patterns on harmful tobacco-related exposures, morbidity, and mortality will ultimately determine the net population health impact of e-cigarettes in the USA.

Main Message:
This study offers a comprehensive analysis of e-cigarette use among US adults, highlighting the diversity of use patterns and the association between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking. The findings suggest that e-cigarette use is not a monolithic behaviour, and that different use patterns are associated with distinct demographic and tobacco use characteristics. The main message is that understanding the complex nature of e-cigarette use is crucial for developing effective tobacco control policies and interventions.

Coleman, Blair N, Brian Rostron, Sarah E Johnson, Bridget K Ambrose, Jennifer Pearson, Cassandra A Stanton, Baoguang Wang, et al. “Electronic Cigarette Use among US Adults in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, 2013–2014.” Tobacco Control 26, no. e2 (December 2017): e117–26. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053462.