Summary
Introduction:
This text is a longitudinal study examining the role of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use on transitions in cigarette smoking behaviors among young adults. The study uses a multi-state, continuous time Markov model to assess the impact of current and ever ENDS use on three transitions in cigarette smoking behaviors (initiation, desistance, and re-uptake) among a sample of 18-29-year-olds. The study also controls for socio-demographic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal covariates known to be associated with young adults’ cigarette use.
Key Points:
* The study uses a multi-state, continuous time Markov model to assess the impact of current and ever ENDS use on three transitions in cigarette smoking behaviors (initiation, desistance, and re-uptake) among a sample of 18-29-year-olds.
* The study controlled for socio-demographic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal covariates known to be associated with young adults’ cigarette use.
* Both current and ever ENDS use increased the probability of transitioning from never to current cigarette use (initiation) and decreased the probability of transitioning from current to non-current use (desistance).
* Current, but not ever, ENDS use also increased the probability of transitioning from non-current to current use (re-uptake).
* Transitions were assessed between adjacent waves of available data, spanning at least six months.
* The study found that cigarette use behaviors are characterized by their volatility and by multiple transitions during young adulthood such as increased frequency of use, reduced use or quitting, and re-uptake.
* The study also found that ENDS use may impact increased frequency of cigarette use and quitting.
Main Message:
The main message of this study is that ENDS use in young adulthood increases the risk for cigarette smoking behaviors across the continuum of uptake and progression. The study suggests that prevention and cessation efforts targeting both ENDS and cigarette use during young adulthood are needed. The study also highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of risk factors, like ENDS use, on different stages in smoking uptake and progression to inform the development of smoking prevention and cessation interventions for young adults.
Citation
Loukas a, Marti CN, harrell MB. Electronic nicotine delivery systems use predicts transitions in cigarette smoking among young adults. Drug and alcohol dependence. 2022;231:109251. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109251
