Trends in youth e-cigarette and cigarette use between 2013 and 2019: insights from repeat cross-sectional data from the COMPASS study.

Introduction:
This article provides an analysis of trends in e-cigarette and cigarette use among Canadian youth between 2013 and 2019. The study uses data from the COMPASS study, a large non-probability sample of secondary school students in four Canadian provinces. The authors examine trends in e-cigarette and cigarette use across various demographic characteristics.

Key Points:

* The prevalence of e-cigarette use increased over time, particularly between 2016-2017 and 2018-2019.
* The prevalence of current cigarette smoking was relatively stable, decreasing significantly in Alberta and Ontario between 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.
* In Ontario, the prevalence of ever and current e-cigarette use increased among all grades, both genders, and all ethnicities.
* The study found that the prevalence of e-cigarette use among Canadian youth has increased substantially in a short period of time, while a decrease in the prevalence of cigarette smoking has lagged.
* Increases in e-cigarette use were apparent across demographic groups.
* Surveillance systems should continue to monitor the prevalence of tobacco and e-cigarette use among youth populations.
* Additional regulations and interventions may be necessary to curb e-cigarette use among Canadian youth.

Main Message:
The main message of the study is that there has been a significant increase in e-cigarette use among Canadian youth in recent years, while the decrease in cigarette smoking has not kept pace. The study highlights the need for continued surveillance and the implementation of additional regulations and interventions to curb e-cigarette use among Canadian youth. The study also underscores the importance of monitoring trends in e-cigarette use across different demographic groups. Overall, the study provides important insights into the changing landscape of tobacco and e-cigarette use among Canadian youth.

Cole AG, Aleyan S, Battista K, Leatherdale ST. Trends in youth e-cigarette and cigarette use between 2013 and 2019: insights from repeat cross-sectional data from the COMPASS study. Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique. 2021;112(1):60-69. doi:10.17269/s41997-020-00389-0