Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of trends in e-cigarette use among US adults from 2016 to 2018, highlighting the shift toward daily use and sole e-cigarette use, as well as the increase in use among younger adults, particularly students. The study's findings are based on data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Key Points:
* The weighted overall current e-cigarette use prevalence was 4.5% in 2016, remained stable at 4.4% in 2017, and increased to 5.4% in 2018.
* The youngest age group (18-24 years) had the largest increase in prevalence, from 9.2% in 2016 to 15% in 2018.
* among those who never smoked, there was a significant increase in prevalence of e-cigarette use from 1.4% in 2016 to 2.3% in 2018.
* Daily and occasional use prevalence increased from 2016 to 2018, with the largest change observed among 18- to 24-year-olds.
* The proportion of current users who used e-cigarettes daily also increased.
* among those who never smoked, current e-cigarette use prevalence increased from 1.4% in 2016 to 2.3% in 2018, translating to approximately 3.5 million adults in 2016 and 5.8 million adults in 2018.
* Trends in e-cigarette use were heterogeneous but showed generally similar trends across the 50 states and 3 territories included in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Main Message:
The study emphasizes the need for continued monitoring and regulation of e-cigarette use, given the shift toward daily use and sole e-cigarette use, as well as the significant increase in use among younger adults. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the factors contributing to the increased prevalence of e-cigarette use, such as marketing and social media presence, to protect public health.
Citation
Obisesan Oh, Osei aD, Uddin SMI, et al. Trends in e-Cigarette Use in adults in the United States, 2016-2018. JaMa internal medicine. 2020;180(10):1394-1398. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.2817
