Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the smoking cessation strategies used by young adults compared to older adults. The study aims to understand the intentions to quit, cigarette cessation strategy use, and socioeconomic predictors of cigarette cessation strategy use among young adult smokers (age 18-24) and compares the patterns with those of older adults (age 25-64). The text uses data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health (PaTh) study to compare youth and young adults along these three dimensions.
Key Points:
* The study found that young adults have significantly less intention to quit than older adults and are less likely to use evidence-based cessation assistance.
* The study compares the smoking cessation strategy use between young adult and older adult Wave 1 smokers and found that young adults were significantly less likely to employ evidence-based cessation strategies, including behavioral support, any pharmacotherapy, nicotine replacement therapy, and prescription drugs.
* The study also found that both young and older adults reported using product substitution to help quit, almost all of which was to e-cigarettes.
* The study controlled for Wave 1 covariates in a multinomial logistic regression model and found that young adults were significantly less likely to use pharmacotherapy but were just as likely to use product substitution.
* The study also found that young adults were less likely to use two or more strategies to quit compared with their older counterparts.
* The study found that few socioeconomic and tobacco use variables predicted young adult cessation strategy use. however, Wave 1 polytobacco users of both age groups were more likely to use product substitution and multiple cessation strategies.
* The study found that there is no difference in the relationship between cessation strategy use and socioeconomic and tobacco use factors across age groups.
Main Message:
The main message of the text is that young adults are interested in quitting tobacco use, but there is a challenge in encouraging evidence-based cessation among this population. The study suggests that more research is needed to understand why young adult smokers underutilize evidence-based cessation support. additionally, innovative methods are needed to increase young adult intentions to quit and use of evidence-based cessation assistance. The study also highlights the need for interventions to reduce barriers to NRT and medication use, address preconceptions about use of and side effects from NRT and medications, and improve awareness of free NRT and counseling through state quitlines. Overall, the text emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of young adult smokers in order to promote successful smoking cessation.
Citation
Watkins SL, Thrul J, Max W, Ling PM. Cold Turkey and hot Vapes? a National Study of Young adult Cigarette Cessation Strategies. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2020;22(5):638-646. doi:10.1093/ntr/nty270
