Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining the trends in frequency of e-cigarette use among adolescents between 2014 and 2018. The study uses data from two national surveys, the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) and the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, to assess the prevalence of frequent e-cigarette use among adolescents. The study aims to provide information on the escalation of e-cigarette use among adolescents and the implications for nicotine dependence.
Key Points:
* The study uses data from two national surveys, the NYTS and MTF, to assess trends in frequency of e-cigarette use among adolescents between 2014 and 2018.
* The study found that frequent e-cigarette use (used ≥20 days during the past 30 days) increased across all grades, especially among 12th graders who increased from 2.6% in 2014 to 9.3% in 2018.
* The MTF data corroborated NYTS findings showing that frequent e-cigarette use among 12th graders increased from 3.1% in 2017 to 8.9% in 2018.
* additional analyses found that daily use of e-cigarettes among current 12th grade users increased from 29.2% in 2014 to 40.9% in 2018.
* The study also found that experimental use of e-cigarettes among 12th grade users decreased from 40.9% in 2014 to 26.1% in 2018.
* The study did not assess the relationship between e-cigarette use and other types of nicotine use.
* The study was supported by grants from the National Institute on Drug abuse and the National Cancer Institute.
Main Message:
The study provides evidence that frequent use of e-cigarettes has increased substantially among older adolescents during a relatively short period. The sharp increase in daily e-cigarette use among adolescents should be monitored closely and warrants further investigation, particularly in relation to nicotine dependence. The study highlights the importance of continued monitoring and research on the trends and implications of e-cigarette use among adolescents.
Citation
Veliz PT, Boyd CJ, Evans-Polce RJ, McCabe SE. Increases in the Prevalence of Frequent E-Cigarette Use among adolescents. american journal of preventive medicine. 2020;59(1):146-147. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2020.02.004
