E-cigarette Use Among Young Adults in the U.S.

Introduction:
This text discusses a study examining the relationship between e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking patterns among young adults in the United States. The study uses data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III to analyze the smoking intensity, reduction, and cessation among young adult cigarette smokers who do and do not use e-cigarettes. The study also explores the reasons why young adults use e-cigarettes.

Key Points:

* The study found that e-cigarette use among young adult smokers was associated with a lower likelihood of stopping smoking and reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
* Most young adults who used e-cigarettes did not report using them to help reduce tobacco or nicotine use.
* Young adults who used e-cigarettes were more likely to smoke every day and meet criteria for tobacco use disorder.
* Among lifetime smokers, past-year e-cigarette use, including frequent e-cigarette use, was associated with a lower likelihood of stopping smoking.
* Relationships between e-cigarette use and smoking are complex and incompletely understood.
* The study has several limitations, including the use of self-reported data and the lack of information on e-liquid nicotine concentration.

Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarette use may not be an effective means of harm reduction for young adult smokers. In fact, e-cigarette use among young adults may decrease their likelihood of stopping smoking and lower their likelihood of reducing smoking. The study highlights the need for further research on the relationship between e-cigarette use and smoking patterns among young adults and the need for regulation of e-cigarettes that takes into account their consequences in the broader population of people who smoke cigarettes.

Olfson, Mark, Melanie M. Wall, Shang-Min Liu, Ryan S. Sultan, and Carlos Blanco. “E-Cigarette Use Among Young Adults in the U.S.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine 56, no. 5 (May 2019): 655–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.12.004.