Summary
Introduction:
This text summarizes a study examining the relationship between receiving e-cigarette price promotions (EPPs) and subsequent e-cigarette use among U.S. young adult cigarette smokers. The study uses data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study survey and employs a longitudinal design to assess the associations between receiving EPPs and subsequent e-cigarette use in general and to help quit smoking cigarettes.
Key Points:
* The study uses data from Waves 4 and 5 of the PATH Study survey, focusing on young adult (18-34 years) established, current cigarette smokers who did not use e-cigarettes at Wave 4.
* The study examines the association between receiving EPPs at baseline (Wave 4) and past-year use of e-cigarettes in general and to help quit smoking cigarettes at follow-up (Wave 5).
* Multivariable logistic regressions were used to control for potential confounders, including respondents' recent exposure to tobacco advertising and to cigarette price promotions.
* The results indicate that receiving EPPs at baseline was associated with past-year e-cigarette use at follow-up (AOR 2.07; 95% CI 1.31 to 3.27) and past-year e-cigarette use to quit smoking at follow-up among those who attempted to quit (AOR 3.20; 95% CI 1.48 to 6.90).
* The study has several limitations, including its observational nature, the lack of differentiation between seeing, receiving, and using tobacco price promotions, and the absence of analysis on complete transitions from smoking cigarettes to e-cigarettes.
* The study highlights the potential influence of EPPs on e-cigarette use among young adult cigarette smokers, suggesting a need for further research to understand the role of EPPs in complete product switching versus transitions to dual or poly-tobacco use.
Main Message:
The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of e-cigarette price promotions on young adult cigarette smokers' e-cigarette use. As the FDA authorizes the marketing of some e-cigarette products, it is crucial to develop an understanding of marketing strategies that may prompt e-cigarette use among this population. If more research demonstrates that exposure to EPPs contributes to cigarette smokers' continued use of e-cigarettes to quit smoking, policymakers may need to consider this evidence for future e-cigarette product reviews. The influence of other price-related policies, such as taxation of e-cigarette products, may also need to be further examined to understand their potential impacts on product transitions.
Citation
Elhabashy M, Wackowski OA, Mercincavage M, et al. Longitudinal associations between receiving E-cigarette price promotions and subsequent E-cigarette use among U.S. Young adult cigarette smokers. Addictive behaviors. 2023;138:107549. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107549
