Exploring the association between E-cigarette retailer proximity and density to schools and youth E-cigarette use

Limited evidence exists examining the association between e-cigarette retailer density and e-cigarette use among youth. This study explored whether e-cigarette retailer proximity and density to schools were associated with youth use of e-cigarettes in 4 Canadian provinces. Between October and December 2017, an online search identified e-cigarette retailers within 500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m circular buffer zones around high schools (N = 122) that participated in the COMPASS study in 2017-18. Retailer proximity/density data were linked to student-level data (N = 63,400 students). Multilevel regression models examined the association between e-cigarette retailer proximity and density and ever and current e-cigarette use, controlling for relevant covariates. Results indicated the average school had <1 e-cigarette retailer within 500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m. Significant between-school variability in the likelihood of ever [σ² _μ0 = 0.215 (0.030), p < .0001] and current [σ² _μ0 = 0.258 (0.036), p < .0001] e-cigarette use was found among students. However, after controlling for relevant covariates, e-cigarette retailer proximity and density surrounding a school were not significantly associated with the likelihood of ever or currently using e-cigarettes. These findings suggest that students are accessing e-cigarettes through other sources.