Is e-cigarette use associated with better health and functioning among smokers approaching midlife?

Introduction:
This text summarizes a study examining the relationship between electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use and health outcomes in smokers approaching midlife. The study uses data from the Seattle Social Development Project and focuses on smokers who adopted e-cigarette use between the ages of 30 and 39. The study aims to determine if there is an association between vaping and healthy aging among nicotine users.

Key Points:

* The study sample consisted of 156 participants who smoked at age 30 and smoked or vaped at age 39.
* The study found that a higher frequency of vaping, relative to smoking, was associated with significantly better health and functioning in 4 out of 9 indicators examined at age 39, accounting for changes from age 30.
* The indicators associated with vaping were exercise, constructive engagement, physical health, and socioeconomic status.
* There was little relationship between prior health and functioning and adoption of e-cigarette use.
* The study controlled for parallel measures of each outcome and other key covariates prior to e-cigarette availability.
* The study's age cohort was well-suited to investigate the adoption of e-cigarette use among smokers in their 30s and its association with diverse indicators of adult health and functioning.
* The study is among the first to investigate the adoption of e-cigarette use among smokers in their 30s and its association with diverse indicators of adult health and functioning.

Main Message:
The study suggests that smokers who opt to vape may not only reduce their intake of toxins and carcinogens but may also improve or reinforce opportunities for healthy activities and engagement, and for better physical health and success in adulthood. however, further research is needed to compare the health and functioning of vapers with quitters. Overall, the study highlights the potential benefits of e-cigarette use for smokers approaching midlife, but also emphasizes the need for more research in this area.

Kosterman R, Epstein M, Bailey Ja, hawkins JD. Is e-cigarette use associated with better health and functioning among smokers approaching midlife? Drug and alcohol dependence. 2022;234:109395. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109395