Summary
Introduction:
This text presents a cross-sectional, matched control study examining the association between initial e-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette smoking in US adolescents. The study employs behavioral and synthetic control groups to account for confounding factors.
Key points:
1. Data was collected from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (2014-2017) with a three-stage cluster design.
2. Exposure variable: adolescents were categorized based on their first tobacco product use.
3. Outcome variables: adolescents were assessed for ever, past 30-day, and established cigarette smoking.
4. Covariates: potential confounders, such as age, sex, ethnicity, grade, school type, and others, were controlled for.
5. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS and R, with missing data removed and family-wise error rate corrected.
6. Propensity score matching was conducted to account for confounding factors.
7. The study found that adolescents who initiated e-cigarette use were less likely to have ever, past 30-day, or established cigarette smoking compared to other tobacco product initiators.
Main message:
The study suggests that initial e-cigarette use in US adolescents is not associated with increased cigarette smoking and may even have a protective effect regarding cigarette use compared to other tobacco product initiators. The study's findings have important implications for tobacco control policies and e-cigarette regulations.
Citation
Shahab L, Beard E, Brown J. association of initial e-cigarette and other tobacco product use with subsequent cigarette smoking in adolescents: a cross-sectional, matched control study. Tobacco control. 2021;30(2):212-220. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055283
