Three year trends in e-cigarettes among Midwestern middle school age youth.

Introduction:
This text discusses the trends in e-cigarette use among middle school aged youth in the Midwest over a three-year period. The study examines the rates of e-cigarette use, perceptions of parental attitudes towards e-cigarettes, and sibling use of e-cigarettes. The text also explores how these rates compare to the use of other substances such as traditional tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana.

Key Points:

* The study found an increase in youth endorsing lifetime e-cigarette use in 2018 and 2019.
* More youth reported e-cigarette use than traditional tobacco use and marijuana use in 2018 and 2019.
* Youth are indicating more favorable parental attitudes regarding their use of e-cigarettes in 2018 and 2019, with similar perceptions of parental attitudes regarding alcohol use.
* The percentage of youth who endorsed sibling use of e-cigarettes did not change over the three years.
* E-cigarette use in youth is considered unsafe due to the potential for adverse health consequences.
* Recent evidence suggests that e-cigarette makers are increasingly targeting youth with their marketing materials, and that youth attitudes about the products are favorable.
* Emerging evidence suggests that at a minimum short-term problems, such as sleep disruptions, are likely for e-cigarette only users, and long-term harms are unknown.

Main Message:
The study highlights the increasing trend in e-cigarette use among middle school aged youth and the need for more work to prevent the initiation of e-cigarettes among this age group. The findings suggest that parents communicating their disapproval and the harms associated with e-cigarette use may be an avenue to address this public health concern. The text also emphasizes the need for increased regulation, scrutiny, and concern to protect youth from initiating e-cigarette use based on the belief that the product is safe. The growing evidence of e-cigarette-related lung injury and the link between nicotine exposure in youth and adverse brain development further underscores the importance of this issue.

Fite PJ, Cushing C, Ortega A. Three year trends in e-cigarettes among Midwestern middle school age youth. Journal of Substance Use. 2020;25(4):430-434. doi:10.1080/14659891.2020.1725163