Trends and consumption patterns in the use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults in Germany (the DEBRA study).

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the trends and consumption patterns of e-cigarette use among adolescents and young adults in Germany. The study uses data from the German Study on Tobacco Use (DEBRA) to examine the prevalence of e-cigarette use and tobacco smoking, and consumption patterns of e-cigarette use among representative samples of adolescents and young adults from 2016 to 2020. The text also explores the relationship between smoking status, sociodemographic factors, and e-cigarette use by age group.

Key Points:

* The study found that e-cigarette use among adolescents increased from 9.2% in 2016 to 16.5% in 2017, decreased in 2018 to 8.3%, and then gradually increased to 13.4% by 2020.
* Among young adults, e-cigarette use rates remained relatively stable at 19.1% on average, while tobacco smoking slowly declined from 44.7% in 2016 to 38.5% in 2020.
* More than half of current e-cigarette users used refillable-style e-cigarettes (59.4% adolescents; 68.4% young adults) and also smoked tobacco (62.5% adolescents; 79.4% young adults).
* Among young adults, men and former and current tobacco smokers were more likely to have vaped.
* The study also found that inconsistencies between the labelled and experimentally confirmed nicotine concentrations in e-liquids and modifications of e-cigarette devices can elevate nicotine delivery and increase exposure to other harmful chemical compounds.
* Pictures of e-cigarettes were added to clarify for respondents the different types of e-cigarettes in waves 19-26.
* The amount of e-liquid or cartridges used by occasional users was calculated to represent the amount used per day.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of monitoring e-cigarette use and consumption patterns, especially among adolescents and young adults. The study found fluctuating trends in e-cigarette use among adolescents and relatively stable rates among young adults, with high rates of dual use of e-cigarettes and tobacco smoking. The study also emphasizes the need for effective counter-marketing ads that target young people and address the health harms of vaping and nicotine. Additionally, the study highlights the need for regulation of e-cigarette advertising and online sales to decrease access to e-cigarettes and e-liquids for young people. Overall, the study underscores the need for targeted health interventions and campaigns aimed at preventing and/or reducing e-cigarette use in this population.

Gali K, Kastaun S, Pischke CR, Kotz D. Trends and consumption patterns in the use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults in Germany (the DEBRA study). Addictive behaviors. 2022;133:107375. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107375