E-cigarette Use Among Young Adults in the U.S

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Addiction Science

Background:

• E-cigarette use is increasing among U.S. young adults.
• The role of e-cigarettes in smoking reduction or cessation among this demographic is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine patterns of e-cigarette use in relation to cigarette smoking among U.S. young adults.
• To determine if e-cigarette use aids in smoking reduction or cessation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 18-35 years (N=12,415) from the 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III.
• Logistic regression was used to assess associations between e-cigarette use and smoking intensity, continuity, and reduction, controlling for confounding factors.

Main Results:

• Among cigarette smokers, e-cigarette use was associated with higher odds of tobacco use disorder (AOR=2.58) and daily cigarette smoking (AOR=1.67).
• E-cigarette use was linked to heavier smoking in adults aged 26-35 years (AOR=2.01).
• Among lifetime smokers, e-cigarette use was associated with lower odds of quitting smoking (AOR=0.14) and reduced cigarette consumption (AOR=0.63). Only 13.1% reported using e-cigarettes to quit smoking.

Conclusions:

• E-cigarette use among U.S. young adults is generally not intended for smoking reduction.
• E-cigarette use is associated with more frequent and intensive cigarette smoking, rather than less.