Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research letter examining the increase in e-cigarette users reaching out to quitlines in Minnesota between 2018 and 2019. The letter also explores the potential factors that may have contributed to this trend. The key points and main message of the text are summarized below.
Key Points:
* The study analyzed data from qUITPLaN Services, Minnesota's state quitline, from January 2018 to December 2019.
* The study found that the prevalence of any e-cigarette use among enrollees was significantly higher in 2019 than in 2018.
* The increase in e-cigarette use was seen in both dual (using e-cigarettes and at least one other commercial tobacco product) and exclusive e-cigarette use.
* among e-cigarette users, dual use declined from 93% in 2018 to 86% in 2019, and exclusive use increased from 7.1% in 2018 to 13.7% in 2019.
* Men were more likely than women to use any e-cigarettes among 2019 enrollees.
* The study suggests that media coverage of lung injuries, JUUL's removal of some flavored products, and 2019 youth e-cigarette use data may have influenced the fluctuations in e-cigarette use in 2019.
* The study has several limitations, including being limited to one state and the lack of data on race, ethnicity, and quit outcomes.
Main Message:
The study highlights the increasing trend of e-cigarette users seeking help to quit smoking through quitlines. The study suggests that media coverage and regulatory actions, such as JUUL removing some flavored products, may have influenced this trend. The study emphasizes the importance of promoting and providing access to barrier-free quitline support for quitting e-cigarettes as the number of e-cigarette users increases. The study also calls for more research to assess whether existing services are supporting quit attempts among exclusive and dual e-cigarette users.
Citation
Lachter RB, Keller Pa, Lien RK, St Claire aW. More E-Cigarette Users Reaching Out to quitlines for Support in quitting: Minnesota’s Experience. american journal of preventive medicine. 2021;60(1):139-141. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2020.06.031
