Do the associations between the use of electronic cigarettes and smoking reduction or cessation attempt persist after several years of use? Longitudinal analyses in smokers of the CONSTANCES cohort.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the relationship between electronic cigarette use and smoking reduction or cessation attempt in the CONSTANCES cohort. The study followed current smokers for one year and assessed changes in tobacco consumption and cessation attempts according to the duration of electronic cigarette use. The study also considered various sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Key Points:

* The study included 5,409 current smokers enrolled in the CONSTANCES cohort in 2015 and 2016.
* Duration of electronic cigarette use was categorized as never, former user for more than one year, former user for less than one year, new user for less than one year, return to use for less than one year, regular use for one to two years, and regular use for more than two years.
* The study considered two outcomes: change in the number of cigarettes per day and cessation attempt.
* Former users had an increase in the number of cigarettes per day at follow-up, while current users had a decrease in the number of cigarettes per day.
* Former users had a decreased likelihood of cessation attempt, while current users had an increased likelihood of cessation attempt.
* The study found interactions between the duration of electronic cigarette use and certain sociodemographic and clinical factors.
* The sensitivity analyses among participants who were still smokers at follow-up showed similar results to the main analyses.

Main Message:
The study suggests that electronic cigarette use is associated with smoking reduction and cessation attempt in current smokers. However, former users had poorer outcomes than those who have never used electronic cigarettes. The study also highlights the importance of considering sociodemographic and clinical factors when examining the relationship between electronic cigarette use and smoking behavior. Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of electronic cigarette use on smoking cessation. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and risks of electronic cigarette use in the context of smoking reduction and cessation.

Airagnes G, Lemogne C, Le Faou AL, et al. Do the associations between the use of electronic cigarettes and smoking reduction or cessation attempt persist after several years of use? Longitudinal analyses in smokers of the CONSTANCES cohort. Addictive behaviors. 2021;117:106843. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.106843