Perceptions and Use of E-cigarettes among Young Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: An Observational Study

While smoking prevalence has decreased among the general population, the use of electronic cigarettes (E- cigarettes) has risen significantly and can cause significant lung injury. We sought to determine if persons with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) have similar rates of E-cigarette use as compared with age-matched peers, and to understand perceptions of E-cigarette safety through a survey-based study. A total of 29 PwCF and 26 age-matched control patients participated in this study. There was no significant difference between PwCF and control patients regarding perceptions of the negative impact of E-cigarette use on one's health. Overall, both PwCF and control patients reported a good quality of life. PwCF were equally likely to identify E-cigarettes as harmful to one's lung health as healthy controls but were significantly more likely to have heard of EVALI. While small, our study has demonstrated the need for further education of both PwCF and healthy young adults.