Summary
Introduction:
This text is a research letter examining the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among young, middle-aged, and older adults in the United States in 2017 and 2018. The study aims to provide updated information on e-cigarette use to inform future research and policy.
Key Points:
* The study used data from the National Health Interview Survey, a leading annual health survey in the US, to examine e-cigarette use among adults.
* The use of e-cigarettes among US adults decreased from 2014 to 2017 but increased in 2018.
* The increase in e-cigarette use in 2018 was highest among young adults aged 18 to 24.
* The study also found significant increases in e-cigarette use among men, non-Hispanic Asian individuals, those with family income at least four times higher than the federal poverty level, and those who formerly smoked conventional cigarettes.
* E-cigarette use was self-reported in the survey, which is a limitation of the study.
* The marketing and sales of e-cigarettes have changed significantly in recent years, with Juul sales surging since its introduction in 2015.
* Juul e-cigarettes have a discreet design and come in various flavors, making them appealing to young people, but their high nicotine content is concerning.
Main Message:
This research letter highlights the need for continued surveillance of e-cigarette use and public health interventions to decrease e-cigarette use among young adults. The study's findings suggest that the marketing and sales of e-cigarettes, particularly those with high nicotine content, may contribute to the increase in e-cigarette use among young adults. Therefore, it is essential to regulate e-cigarette marketing and sales to protect young people's health.
Citation
Bao W, Liu B, Du Y, Snetselaar LG, Wallace RB. Electronic Cigarette Use Among Young, Middle-aged, and Older Adults in the United States in 2017 and 2018. JAMA internal medicine. 2020;180(2):313-314. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.4957
