Cohort Study Reveals Trends and Risks Amid Increased Vaping During Late Pregnancy
A comprehensive cohort study utilizing data from 2016 to 2021 has uncovered a notable rise in e-cigarette usage among pregnant adolescents, with the highest prevalence observed among White teenagers. Despite this surge, the study suggests that, unlike traditional cigarette use, e-cigarette usage during late pregnancy is not statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth among adolescents.
Key Findings:
- E-Cigarette Use Trends: The prevalence of exclusive e-cigarette use during late pregnancy increased from 0.8% in 2016 to 4.1% in 2021.
- Demographic Disparities: White pregnant adolescents exhibited the highest e-cigarette use at 2.7%, compared to 1.0% for American Indian or Alaska Native adolescents, 0.8% for Asian or other race adolescents, 0.6% for Black adolescents, and 0.7% for multiracial adolescents.
- Cigarette Use Decline: In contrast, exclusive cigarette use decreased from 9.2% in 2017 to 3.2% in 2021.
- SGA Birth Associations: Exclusive e-cigarette use or dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes showed no statistically significant difference in the risk of SGA birth. However, adolescents who exclusively used cigarettes had a more than 2-fold higher risk of SGA birth compared to those who did not use either product.
Implications:
- Rising Concerns: The findings indicate a growing concern about the increasing trend of e-cigarette use among pregnant adolescents, necessitating further research and targeted interventions.
- Demographic Disparities: Disparities in e-cigarette use prevalence across racial and ethnic groups highlight the need for tailored public health campaigns and educational initiatives.
- SGA Risk: While exclusive e-cigarette use during late pregnancy was not statistically significantly associated with SGA birth, the study emphasizes the heightened risk associated with exclusive cigarette use.
- Research Gaps: The study underscores the need for additional research with larger sample sizes to better understand the potential health impacts of e-cigarette use during pregnancy.
Conclusion: As e-cigarette use continues to rise among pregnant adolescents, this study sheds light on the demographic patterns and potential risks associated with this trend. While the findings suggest no significant association with SGA birth, the study underscores the need for ongoing research to inform public health strategies and support the well-being of pregnant adolescents and their infants.