adult Use of and Transitions From Nicotine and Non-nicotine-Containing E-cigarettes: Data From the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study, 2013-2016.

Introduction:
This text summarizes a study on the use of nicotine-containing (NiCE) and non-nicotine-containing e-cigarettes (NoCE) among adults in the US. The study uses data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study from 2013-2016 to examine the self-reported prevalence and patterns of NiCE/NoCE use. The study also looks at transitions in NoCE/NiCE use and their association with other nicotine product use (ONP) over a 1-year period.

Key Points:

* The study found that maintaining the same NoCE/NiCE and ONP use status 1 year later was the most common use pattern.
* however, 15.65% of exclusive NoCE users in Wave 2 transitioned to NoCE plus nicotine product use in Wave 3.
* Some exclusive NoCE users also transitioned to exclusive NiCE use (17.77% Waves 1-2; 11.55% Waves 2-3).
* Compared to NiCE users, a higher proportion of NoCE users were from some racial/ethnic groups, had lower incomes, and were female.
* The study found no significant association between Wave 1 current NiCE status and subsequent new tobacco product use in Wave 2 or 3.
* a non-negligible proportion of exclusive NoCE users transitioned to nicotine product use in later waves.
* The study suggests that other factors, such as familiarity with using an aerosolizing device, may also influence NoCE use and transition to NiCE use.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need to consider other factors, in addition to nicotine, that may influence e-cigarette use trajectories. While nicotine may be an important factor, a non-negligible portion of exclusive NoCE users transition to NiCE and/or ONP use. Future research is needed to confirm the role of these additional factors in e-cigarette use trajectories. The study also emphasizes the importance of accurately measuring NiCE/NoCE use to better understand their prevalence and use patterns.

Nguyen Zarndt a, Donaldson Ea, Bernat JK, henrie Ja, Portnoy DB. adult Use of and Transitions From Nicotine and Non-nicotine-Containing E-cigarettes: Data From the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study, 2013-2016. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2020;22(7):1225-1229. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntz215