Likelihood of adolescents Trying Conventional or Electronic Cigarettes Varies with Their Use and Perception of harm and addictiveness of Other Tobacco Products, Including Cigars.

Introduction:
In this study, the authors analyze data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) from 2017 to 2019 to examine the prevalence and correlates of cigar, cigarillo, and little cigar (CCLC) use among middle and high school students. The authors also investigate the association between CCLC use and the use of other tobacco products, specifically conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The study aims to provide a better understanding of the use of these tobacco products among adolescents, which can inform regulatory efforts and educational initiatives.

Key points:

* The study included 50,172 students, of whom 6,836 (13.6%) had tried CCLCs.
* Male and older students were more likely to have tried CCLCs.
* Students who perceived greater harm associated with conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes were less likely to have tried CCLCs.
* Students who had tried CCLCs were more likely to have also tried conventional cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
* The odds of trying conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes were higher for students who had tried CCLCs, even after adjusting for demographics and perceived harm.
* The perception of harm associated with e-cigarettes was inversely associated with the likelihood of trying e-cigarettes, while the perception of harm associated with conventional cigarettes was positively associated with the likelihood of trying e-cigarettes.
* The perception of addiction potential of e-cigarettes compared to conventional cigarettes was inversely associated with the likelihood of trying e-cigarettes.

Main message:
The study highlights the importance of considering all tobacco products, including CCLCs, when addressing adolescent tobacco use. The findings suggest that students who try CCLCs are more likely to try other tobacco products, including conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The study also underscores the importance of educating adolescents about the risks associated with tobacco use and addiction potential, particularly as it relates to e-cigarettes. Regulatory efforts should consider the multifaceted nature of adolescent tobacco use and address the use of all tobacco products, including CCLCs, to effectively reduce tobacco use among adolescents.

Yang S, Nugent R, Nugent K. Likelihood of adolescents Trying Conventional or Electronic Cigarettes Varies with Their Use and Perception of harm and addictiveness of Other Tobacco Products, Including Cigars. Southern medical journal. 2022;115(9):665-673. doi:10.14423/SMJ.0000000000001445