Factors associated with dual use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes: a case control study

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research paper published in the International Journal of Drug Policy, which investigates the factors associated with dual use of tobacco and electronic cigarettes. The study is a case-control study that examines the characteristics and experiences of dual users compared to non-smoking vapers. The paper also explores the reasons for initiating EC use and the predictors of dual use.

Key Points:

* The study is based on a questionnaire uploaded to an online survey tool, with 19,441 participants.
* after random 1:1 matching for age and gender, 3530 participants in each group were compared.
* Dual users had longer smoking history, lower daily cigarette consumption, and similar cigarette dependence compared to non-smoking vapers.
* The most important reason for initiating EC use was to reduce smoking and exposure of family members to smoke for both groups.
* The strongest predictors of being a dual user were: higher risk perception for ECs, use of first-generation EC devices, use of prefilled cartomizers, and occasional use of ECs.
* Longitudinal studies are warranted to further explore the reasons for dual use.

Main Message:
The results of this case-control study indicate that higher risk perceptions about, and less frequent use of, ECs are associated with dual use of ECs and tobacco cigarettes. The study highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics and experiences of dual users compared to non-smoking vapers, and the need for further longitudinal studies to explore the reasons for dual use. The findings suggest that public health policies and interventions should consider the factors associated with dual use to effectively promote smoking cessation and reduce tobacco-related harm.

Farsalinos, Konstantinos E., Giorgio Romagna, and Vassilis Voudris. “Factors associated with Dual Use of Tobacco and Electronic Cigarettes: a Case Control Study.” International Journal of Drug Policy 26, no. 6 (June 2015): 595–600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.01.006.