Summary
Introduction:
This text presents the findings of a study examining the relationship between patterns of combustible cigarette and e-cigarette experimentation among minors and the onset of habitual smoking in late adolescence. The study uses newly collected data to consider how different experimentation patterns among minors relate to the onset of habitual use.
Key Points:
* The study found that 36% of those who experimented with either product as minors reported no current established smoking or vaping.
* Experimentation patterns that began with combustible cigarettes were the most predictive of later habitual smoking.
* Among ever-triers, experimentation with e-cigarettes alone prior to age 18 years was associated with a reduced likelihood of habitual smoking in late adolescence, relative to individuals who did not experiment with either product until aged 18 years or later.
* Parental use of a given product when a respondent was aged 16 years was associated with a >80% increase in the odds that the respondent would be an established user of that same product in late adolescence.
* The study's findings suggest that efforts to prevent lasting smoking habits should focus on those who experiment with combustible cigarettes as minors, more than on minors who try only e-cigarettes.
* The study's findings have implications for smoking-prevention efforts, as habitual smoking is the main cause of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality.
* The study's findings also suggest that interventions that encourage parents who are resistant to quitting smoking to switch to e-cigarettes should be tested for their effects on youth smoking.
Main Message:
The study's findings highlight the importance of focusing smoking-prevention efforts on minors who experiment with combustible cigarettes, as these individuals are at the highest risk for developing habitual smoking behaviors in late adolescence. The findings also suggest that interventions that encourage parents who are resistant to quitting smoking to switch to e-cigarettes should be further explored, as this approach may have the potential to reduce youth smoking. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between patterns of cigarette experimentation and the onset of habitual smoking, which can inform the development of more effective smoking-prevention strategies.
Citation
Friedman AS, Buckell J, Sindelar JL. Patterns of youth cigarette experimentation and onset of habitual smoking. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2019;56(6):803-810. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2019.02.009
