Electronic nicotine delivery systems: adult use and awareness of the ‘e-cigarette’ in the USA

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research paper on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, in the USA. The paper discusses the awareness and use of ENDS among adults in the country, and the potential impact of these products on smoking behaviors and health.

Key Points:

* The study used data from the ConsumerStyles survey, a consumer mail-in survey, conducted in 2009 and 2010.
* The awareness of ENDS among adults doubled from 16.4% in 2009 to 32.2% in 2010.
* Ever use of ENDS more than quadrupled from 0.6% in 2009 to 2.7% in 2010.
* In 2010, 1.2% of adults had used ENDS in the past month.
* Men, young adults, adults with less education, Caucasian and tobacco users were most aware of ENDS.
* Current smokers and tobacco users were most likely to try ENDS.
* However, current smokers who had tried ENDS did not say they planned to quit smoking more often than smokers who had never tried them.

Main Message:
The study highlights the significant increase in awareness and use of ENDS among adults in the USA, and the need for continued monitoring of these products due to the unknown impact on cigarette smoking behaviors and long-term health. The results indicate that certain demographic groups, such as young adults and tobacco users, are more likely to be aware and use ENDS, and that more research is needed to understand the motivations and consequences of ENDS use. The main message is that while ENDS may have potential as a harm reduction tool, their impact on public health is still unclear and requires further investigation.

Regan, Annette K, Gabbi Promoff, Shanta R Dube, and Rene Arrazola. “Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems: Adult Use and Awareness of the ‘e-Cigarette’ in the USA.” Tobacco Control 22, no. 1 (January 2013): 19–23. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2011-050044.