Use of e-cigarettes and smoked tobacco in youth aged 14-15 years in New Zealand: findings from repeated cross-sectional studies (2014-19).

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a study examining the relationship between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation among youth and young adults. It discusses the potential benefits of e-cigarettes in helping people quit smoking, as well as the potential risks of e-cigarettes leading to increased smoking initiation. The study uses data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) study, a longitudinal study of tobacco use in the United States.

Key Points:

* The study used data from the PaTh study to examine the relationship between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation among youth and young adults.
* The study found that e-cigarette use was associated with an increased likelihood of smoking cessation among young adults, but not among youth.
* The study also found that e-cigarette use was associated with an increased risk of smoking initiation among both youth and young adults.
* The study controlled for various factors, including demographics, mental health, and other substance use.
* The study used a longitudinal design, following participants over time to examine changes in e-cigarette use and smoking behavior.
* The study used a large, nationally representative sample of youth and young adults.
* The study found that e-cigarette use was more common among youth and young adults who were already using tobacco products.

Main Message:
The main message of this text is that e-cigarettes may be a useful tool for smoking cessation among young adults, but they also carry the risk of leading to increased smoking initiation among both youth and young adults. It is important to consider both the potential benefits and risks of e-cigarettes when developing regulatory policies. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of e-cigarette use and to inform regulatory decisions.

Walker N, Parag V, Wong SF, et al. Use of e-cigarettes and smoked tobacco in youth aged 14-15 years in New Zealand: findings from repeated cross-sectional studies (2014-19). The Lancet Public health. 2020;5(4):e204-e212. doi:10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30241-5