Longitudinal associations Between Pain and Use of Cigarettes and E-cigarettes in the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study.

Introduction:
This text summarizes a research study on the longitudinal associations between pain and the use/co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study. The study aimed to examine pain as a predictor of initiating co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, the relationship between pain and use/co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes over time, and the prevalence of cigarette and e-cigarette use as a function of pain. The study also examined gender as a moderator of these associations.

Key Points:

* The study employed data from four waves of the PaTh Study, a nationally representative longitudinal cohort study of civilians, noninstitutionalized adults, and youth in the United States.
* Pain severity was assessed using a single item, and e-cigarette use, cigarette smoking, and co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes were defined based on self-reported use.
* among exclusive cigarette smokers at Wave 1, pain severity was associated with a faster trajectory to initiating co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. This relationship was stronger among women.
* among adult respondents who provided at least three waves of data, greater Wave 1 pain severity was positively associated with e-cigarette use, cigarette smoking, and co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes at Waves 2, 3, and 4.
* at Wave 4, adults with moderate or severe pain endorsed rates of e-cigarette and cigarette use almost two times greater versus no or low pain.
* Gender moderated the relationship between pain and co-use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, with stronger associations observed among women.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering pain as a risk factor for the initiation and maintenance of cigarette and e-cigarette use. The findings suggest that adults with pain may benefit from integrated interventions that address pain in the context of cessation, particularly women. The study also underscores the need for further research to examine patterns and trajectories of nicotine product use among individuals with varying levels of pain. Overall, the text emphasizes the significance of addressing pain in tobacco control and regulation efforts.

Powers JM, Maisto Sa, Zvolensky MJ, heckman BW, Ditre JW. Longitudinal associations Between Pain and Use of Cigarettes and E-cigarettes in the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) Study. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2023;25(3):404-411. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntac197