Summary
Introduction:
This text presents the findings of a longitudinal study examining changes in e-cigarette use behaviors and dependence in long-term e-cigarette users. The study surveyed 1,863 participants in 2012-2014 and conducted a follow-up survey in 2017-2018. This summary will highlight the key points of the study design and findings.
Key Points:
* The study sample consisted of 494 long-term e-cigarette users with a mean follow-up time of 3.7 years.
* at follow-up, 83.4% of participants were exclusive e-cigarette users, 2.8% were poly users with other nicotine products, 11.9% were poly users with other tobacco products, and 1.8% were ex-e-cigarette users.
* among exclusive e-cigarette users, 9.2% became poly users with other tobacco products, and 1 returned to cigarette smoking.
* among poly users with other tobacco products, 60.6% switched to exclusive e-cigarette use at follow-up.
* The Penn State Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (PSECDI) was used to assess e-cigarette dependence, with a score range of 0-20 indicating users' dependence levels on their e-cigarettes.
* The mean PSECDI score remained similar over time (8.4 at baseline vs 8.3 at follow-up).
* The study suggests that the risk of relapse to cigarette smoking is low, and e-cigarette-related dependence remains stable in long-term e-cigarette users.
Main Message:
The study provides valuable insights into the long-term use of e-cigarettes and the risk of relapse to cigarette smoking. The findings suggest that e-cigarette use could facilitate smoking cessation in adult smokers, and there is no increased e-cigarette-related dependence. however, it is essential to note that e-cigarettes are not harmless, and their risks and benefits need to be carefully evaluated to inform public health efforts for tobacco control. Clinical practice should still prioritize FDa-approved smoking-cessation aids as the top choice for smokers, while acknowledging that e-cigarettes may lead to the reduction or cessation of cigarette smoking for some adult smokers. Future cohort studies should include relevant biomarkers or conduct medical examinations to assess e-cigarette-related dependence, evaluate the health effects of exposure to potentially harmful constituents of e-cigarettes, and validate self-reported smoking abstinence.
Citation
Du P, Fan T, Yingst J, et al. Changes in E-Cigarette Use Behaviors and Dependence in Long-term E-Cigarette Users. american journal of preventive medicine. 2019;57(3):374-383. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2019.04.021
