Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining the relationship between e-cigarette use and respiratory symptoms. The study compares exclusive e-cigarette users to dual users of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes. The study aims to determine the effects of dual-use status, individual vaping topography variables, level of nicotine concentration used, and e-cigarette dependence as predictors of self-reported respiratory symptoms.
Key Points:
* The study used a validated measure called the american Thoracic Society questionnaire (aTSq) to assess self-reported respiratory symptoms.
* Participants were recruited from July 2016 to July 2018 and were required to be current users of a tank-style, refillable device.
* The study found that dual users reported higher respiratory symptom severity (aTSq scores) than exclusive vapers.
* Smoking status and race were the only significant predictors of respiratory symptoms.
* The study controlled for age, gender, race, and cotinine level in the regression analysis.
* The study found no significant differences in vaping topography variables between dual and exclusive users.
* The study found that frequency of e-cigarette use, labeled e-liquid nicotine concentration, and e-cigarette dependence were not significantly predictive of respiratory symptoms when accounting for smoking status.
* The study suggests that combustible cigarette use, not individual vaping topography, likely accounts for differences in respiratory symptoms between dual users and exclusive vapers.
Main Message:
The main message of this study is that dual use of e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes has a harmful effect on respiratory health. The study provides empirical evidence that those who exclusively vape report fewer respiratory symptoms than dual users, despite any potential influences of individual vaping topography on outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of eliminating combustible tobacco use worldwide, regardless of the regulatory status of e-cigarettes.
Citation
Cassidy RN, Tidey JW, Colby SM. Exclusive E-Cigarette Users Report Lower Levels of Respiratory Symptoms Relative to Dual E-Cigarette and Cigarette Users. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2020;22:S54-S60. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntaa150
