A longitudinal study of cotinine in long-term daily users of e-cigarettes

Introduction:
This text discusses a study on the characteristics and usage patterns of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users. The study used an online survey to collect data on the personal characteristics, utilization patterns, and perceived effects of e-cigarettes among users. The results provide valuable insights into the demographics and behaviors of e-cigarette users, which can be useful for informing regulatory decisions.

Key points:

* The study enrolled a large convenience sample of vapers via the internet and assessed their personal characteristics and usage patterns.
* Half the vapers in this internet sample scored positively for problem drinking, a third scored positively for depression, and half were overweight.
* Cannabis use in the previous year was also more frequent among vapers than in the general population.
* The most commonly used e-cigarette brands were Joye/Joyetech, Ego, Provari/Provape, Innokin, and Kanger.
* The most widely used models were the Ego, Provari by Provape, the V2, V3 and VS by Vamo, the iTaste by Innokin, the Evic by Joye, and the Evod by Kanger.
* The most commonly used flavors were tobacco, various fruits, mint-menthol, RY4, coffee, and vanilla.
* Users of refillable tanks were more likely than users of pre-filled cartridges to currently use a nicotine medication and to use e-cigarettes daily.
* Tank users were more likely than users of pre-filled cartridges to report enjoying their e-cigarettes, liking the taste of the vapour, and being satisfied with their e-cigarette.

Main message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics and behaviors of e-cigarette users in order to inform regulatory decisions. The results suggest that e-cigarette users are a diverse group with a high prevalence of depression, problem drinking, and cannabis use. The study also provides insights into the most commonly used e-cigarette brands and flavors, which can be useful for informing regulations on e-cigarette marketing and packaging. Overall, the study underscores the need for regulators to consider the unique characteristics and needs of e-cigarette users in order to effectively regulate these products.

Etter, Jean-François. “A Longitudinal Study of Cotinine in Long-Term Daily Users of e-Cigarettes.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence 160 (March 2016): 218–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.01.003.