Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the relationship between electronic cigarette (EC) use and asthma attacks or emergency room (ER) visits due to asthma. The study used data from the National health Interview Survey from 2016-2019 and performed multiple logistic regression analysis to identify the association between current EC use and having an asthma attack or ER visit due to asthma. The study also explored the moderation effects of age and cigarette smoking status.
Key Points:
* The study found that current EC use was associated with higher odds of having an asthma attack.
* The association between EC use and asthma attacks was moderated by age and smoking status, with participants in their 20s or 30s showing the highest interaction effect.
* Participants with public insurance or a COPD history were more likely to have an asthma attack or ER visit due to asthma.
* Current smokers or former smokers showed statistically significant higher odds of experiencing an asthma attack.
* among non-smokers, EC users had higher odds of having asthma attacks and asthma-related ER visits.
* Participants who obtained their medical advice from hospital ERs showed statistically higher odds of having an asthma attack and asthma-related ER visits.
* among current and former smokers, EC use did not significantly affect the odds of having asthma attack and asthma related ER visits.
Main Message:
The study suggests that EC use may have a negative impact on public health, particularly among young adults, people with heavy smoking behaviors, and those with limited access to healthcare. The study calls for more investigation on the reasons why EC use is still high among these populations and ways to lower EC use to prevent its negative impact on others via second-hand smoking. It also highlights the need for policies that target vulnerable populations and address the negative impact of EC use on respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Citation
Lee SY, Shin J. association between Electronic Cigarettes Use and asthma in the United States: Data from the National health Interview Survey 2016-2019. Yonsei Med J. 2023;64:54-65. doi:10.3349/ymj.2022.0292
