Physical activity and Use of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes among Young adults.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining the relationship between physical activity and the use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes among young adults. The study tested the hypothesis that physical activity would be inversely associated with cigarette and e-cigarette use, both cross-sectionally and prospectively. The study controlled for demographic variables, BMI, and sensation seeking.

Key Points:

* The study was conducted among young adults (mean age=21.2 years, SD=2.2 years, 55% women) at two timepoints, 6 months apart.
* Data were collected in 2018-2019 from 2,401 young adults.
* Physical activity was measured in terms of past-week moderate-intensity aerobic/cardio exercise, vigorous-intensity aerobic/cardio exercise, and resistance training exercise.
* Past 30 day cigarette and e-cigarette use were collected using standard measures.
* higher moderate or vigorous physical activity was inversely associated with cigarette and e-cigarette use cross-sectionally.
* higher moderate physical activity was statistically significantly associated with reduced cigarette smoking 6 months later, after adjusting for baseline cigarette smoking, sensation seeking, BMI, and demographic variables.
* higher physical activity across at baseline was associated with increased e-cigarette use at follow-up, adjusting for baseline e-cigarette use, sensation seeking, BMI, and demographic variables.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that while higher physical activity was associated with reduced cigarette smoking, it was also associated with increased e-cigarette use among young adults. This finding is of concern and suggests the need for further research to understand the factors that may motivate increased e-cigarette use among physically active young adults. Public health initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity should also consider the potential impact on e-cigarette use and work to address this issue.

Pokhrel P, Schmid S, Pagano I. Physical activity and Use of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes among Young adults. american journal of preventive medicine. 2020;58(4):580-583. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2019.10.015