assessment of Patterns in e-Cigarette Use among adults in the US, 2017-2020.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the patterns of e-cigarette use among adults in the US from 2017 to 2020. It examines the prevalence of current and daily e-cigarette use, state-level patterns, and the relationship between e-cigarette use and combustible cigarette smoking. The study uses data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally representative state-based survey of noninstitutionalized US adults.

Key Points:

* The prevalence of current e-cigarette use among US adults increased from 4.4% in 2017 to 5.5% in 2018 but decreased slightly to 5.1% in 2020.
* The prevalence of daily e-cigarette use increased consistently from 1.5% in 2017 to 2.3% in 2020.
* The decrease in current e-cigarette use between 2018 and 2020 was mainly observed among young adults aged 18 to 20 years.
* among young adults aged 21 to 24 years, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of daily e-cigarette use between 2018 and 2020.
* State-level patterns in the prevalence of current e-cigarette use were heterogeneous, with states like Massachusetts and New York recording significant decreases between 2018 and 2020, while Guam and Utah recorded significant increases.
* The prevalence of combustible cigarette smoking among US adults decreased from 16.3% in 2017 to 14.8% in 2020.
* The proportion of current e-cigarette users who reported daily use increased from 34.5% in 2017 to 44.4% in 2020.

Main Message:
The study suggests that while there has been a slight reduction in current e-cigarette use among US adults between 2018 and 2020, daily e-cigarette use has increased consistently. This increase in daily use, particularly among young adults, is of concern and warrants continued surveillance. additionally, the heterogeneous state-level patterns in e-cigarette use prevalence indicate the need for state-level policies to address e-cigarette use. The study also highlights the potential benefits of e-cigarettes as aids for tobacco cessation among adult smokers, but the risks associated with youth e-cigarette use remain a significant public health concern.

Boakye E, Osuji N, Erhabor J, et al. assessment of Patterns in e-Cigarette Use among adults in the US, 2017-2020. JaMa network open. 2022;5(7):1. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.23266