Summary
Introduction:
This article reports the findings of a longitudinal study examining changes in e-cigarette use, nicotine exposure, dependence, product preference, and reasons for use among adolescents over 12 months. The study aimed to understand the stability of adolescents' e-cigarette use, dual product use patterns, and the potential for harm from these products.
Key Points:
* The study followed 173 adolescent e-cigarette users, aged 13-18 years, for 12 months, with data collected at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups.
* Results showed that e-cigarette use persisted over the 12-month period, with a significant increase in frequency of use, nicotine exposure, and dependence.
* Transitions from single to dual and dual to single nicotine product use were observed in approximately one in three users.
* higher nicotine delivering e-cigarette devices, such as Juul and mods, became more popular over time, while flavor preferences remained stable.
* The study found little evidence of a smoking cessation benefit among dual users.
* Most participants reported using e-cigarettes for social reasons, enjoyment, and flavors, while the top reasons for quitting were a desire for self-improvement, device maintenance difficulties, and getting in trouble for vaping at home or school.
* adolescent e-cigarette users were predominantly male (75.1%) and White (54.9%).
Main Message:
The findings indicate that adolescent e-cigarette use is persistent and associated with increased frequency of use, nicotine exposure, and dependence over time. There is little evidence of smoking cessation benefits among dual users. The study emphasizes the need for regulatory action, particularly addressing kid-friendly flavors and youth access, to reduce adolescent e-cigarette use and potential harm.
Citation
Vogel Ea, Prochaska JJ, Ramo DE, andres J, Rubinstein ML. adolescents’ e-cigarette use: Increases in frequency, dependence, and nicotine exposure over 12 months. Journal of adolescent health. 2019;64(6):770-775. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.02.019
