Examining the association between physical activity, sedentary behavior and sport participation with e-cigarette use and smoking status in a large sample of Canadian youth.

Introduction:
This article explores the relationship between e-cigarette use, smoking status, and physical activity levels in a large sample of Canadian youth. The study aims to provide descriptive information about these relationships, as causal links cannot be identified.

Key Points:

* The study uses data from the COMPaSS study, a school-based system designed to guide and improve youth prevention research and practice.
* Sport participation and activity level were measured using validated physical activity measures and questions about sport participation.
* E-cigarette use and smoking status were assessed using previously validated measures.
* The study found that e-cigarette users are more likely to participate in intramural, competitive, and team sports compared to non-users. Current and former smokers are less likely than non-smokers to participate in these sports.
* Youth e-cigarette users are more likely than non-users to meet the physical activity guidelines, while current smokers are more likely than non-smokers to engage in physical activity but less likely to tone at least 3 times per week.
* Gender differences were observed, with male e-cigarette users driving the general relationship between e-cigarette use and sport participation.

Main Message:
The study suggests that e-cigarette users are more likely to engage in physical activity compared to non-e-cigarette users, particularly for males. This highlights the importance of addressing e-cigarette use in youth who undertake health-promoting behaviors, not just those who may undertake health-compromising behaviors. Prevention efforts should consider the differing profile of e-cigarette users and may benefit from targeting youth sport clubs at school or in the community. The results also suggest that male e-cigarette users may be an at-risk population for public health stakeholders to consider.

Milicic S, Piérard E, DeCicca P, Leatherdale ST. Examining the association between physical activity, sedentary behavior and sport participation with e-cigarette use and smoking status in a large sample of Canadian youth. Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 2019;21(3):285-292. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntx238