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

Introduction:
This article summarizes a study on transitions in tobacco product use among U.S. adults between 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, using data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. The study examines changes in the prevalence of tobacco product use and within-person transitions in tobacco product use for young adults (18-24 years) and older adults (25+ years). The study categorizes tobacco product types into combustible, noncombustible, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and considers transitions for individual combustible-product types and for single- and multiple-product use.

Key Points:

* The overall prevalence of current tobacco use decreased from 27.6% to 26.3% between 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.
* Among W1 non-tobacco users, 88.7% of young adults and 95.8% of older adults were non-tobacco users at W2.
* Among W1 tobacco users, 71.7% of young adults transitioned, with 20.7% discontinuing use completely, and 45.9% of older adults transitioned, with 12.5% discontinuing use completely.
* Continuing with/transitioning toward combustible product(s), particularly cigarettes, was more common than continuing with/transitioning toward ENDS.
* Tobacco use behaviors were less stable among young adults than older adults, likely reflecting greater product experimentation among young adults.
* Relative stability of cigarette use compared to other tobacco products (except older adult noncombustible use) demonstrates high abuse liability for cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding tobacco product transition behaviors within the context of a largely unregulated ENDS market. The findings demonstrate that tobacco users and nonusers transition in ENDS use over a one-year period, indicating a need for continued monitoring and regulation of the ENDS market. The study also highlights the high abuse liability of cigarettes, as cigarette use remains relatively stable compared to other tobacco products. Overall, the study underscores the need for ongoing research and regulation in the rapidly evolving tobacco product market.

Kasza, Karin A., Blair Coleman, Eva Sharma, Kevin P. Conway, K. Michael Cummings, Maciej L. Goniewicz, Raymond S. Niaura, et al. “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.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 11 (November 14, 2018): 2556. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15112556.