Gender Differences in Reasons for Using Electronic Cigarettes and Product Characteristics: Findings From the 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey.

Introduction:
This summary will provide an overview of a study examining gender differences in reasons for using electronic cigarettes (ECs) and product characteristics among current EC users in four countries. The study used data from the Wave 2 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping (ITC 4CV2) Survey in Canada, the United States, England, and australia. The key points and main message of the study are summarized below.

Key Points:

* The study found that females were more likely than males to cite "less harmful to others" as a reason for vaping, while males were more likely to cite "less harmful than cigarettes."
* Females were less likely than males to report using e-liquids containing >20 mg/mL of nicotine and tank devices with >2 mL capacity.
* There was no significant gender difference in use of flavored e-liquids, with fruit being the most common flavor for both males and females.
* The study found some gender differences in reasons for vaping and characteristics of the product used, which may have implications for outreach activities and interventions for EC use.
* The study suggests that further research is needed to examine whether the observed gender differences in EC use reasons and product characteristics are predictive of smoking cessation.
* The study also recommends monitoring gender-based marketing of ECs.
* The study sample came from four high-income countries and did not examine gender differences in LGBT respondents or specific products such as JUUL.
* The study was based on self-reported data and may be subject to social desirability bias.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of understanding gender differences in EC use reasons and product characteristics. The findings suggest that gender-sensitive smoking cessation policies and interventions may be necessary to address the different reasons and product preferences of male and female EC users. additionally, further research is needed to examine the potential predictive value of gender differences in EC use for smoking cessation and to monitor gender-based marketing of ECs. Overall, the study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of EC use and its implications for public health.

Yimsaard P, McNeill a, Yong hh, et al. Gender Differences in Reasons for Using Electronic Cigarettes and Product Characteristics: Findings From the 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2021;23(4):678-686. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntaa196