Rates of electronic cigarette use among adults with a chronic mental illness.

Introduction:
This text summarizes a study examining the relationship between electronic cigarette (e-cig) use and chronic mental illness in the US adult population. The study uses data from the 2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to explore this association, with a focus on two contexts of e-cig use: having tried an e-cig at least once and current e-cig use. Chronic mental illness is categorized into depression, anxiety, emotional disorder, or ADD, bipolar, schizophrenia, other disorder.

Key Points:

* Approximately 14% of the US adult population has tried an e-cig.
* Trying an e-cig is more likely in those with depression, anxiety, or emotional problems (OR = 2.84).
* Trying an e-cig is more likely in those with ADD, bipolar, schizophrenia, or other disorders (OR = 2.47).
* Regular e-cig use is more likely in those with depression, anxiety, or emotional problems (OR = 2.69).
* Regular e-cig use is more likely in those with ADD, bipolar, schizophrenia, or other disorders (OR = 3.02).
* The 2016 NHIS allows for a nationally representative prediction of e-cig use in this population.
* Current knowledge surrounding e-cig use in this population is lacking.

Main Message:
The study found that adults with chronic mental illness are more likely to have tried and regularly use e-cigs. This information is relevant in monitoring potential harm caused by e-cigs and in assessing the value of e-cigs as a smoking cessation tool for those with a mental illness. Further research is needed to better understand the motivations and patterns of e-cig use in this population.

Bianco CL. Rates of electronic cigarette use among adults with a chronic mental illness. Addictive Behaviors. 2019;89:1-4. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.08.033