Changing patterns in E-cigarette use among Minnesota adults between 2014 and 2018

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Combustible tobacco use is declining in Minnesota, with a concurrent rise in e-cigarette use among youth and young adults.
• Limited data exists on adult e-cigarette user demographics, frequency, smoking status, and flavor preferences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in adult e-cigarette use in Minnesota from 2014 to 2018.
• To examine demographic differences, smoking status, frequency, and flavor use among adult e-cigarette users.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey (MATS), a representative telephone survey of adults aged 18+.
• Analyzed cross-sectional data from 2014 (N=9304) and 2018 (N=6065) to assess changes in e-cigarette use.

Main Results:

• Past 30-day e-cigarette use remained stable overall (5.9% in 2014 vs. 6.0% in 2018).
• Use declined among current smokers but increased significantly among never smokers and 18-24-year-olds.
• Daily e-cigarette use increased for current smokers, 25-44-year-olds, females, and those with a high-school education.

Conclusions:

• E-cigarette use is increasingly prevalent among never smokers, particularly young adults, posing risks of nicotine addiction and future combustible tobacco use.
• While fewer smokers use e-cigarettes, those who do use them more frequently. Flavored e-cigarette use is common and associated with quitting intent.
• Findings support the need for targeted tobacco control policies and programs to address evolving e-cigarette use patterns.