Tag: E-Cigarette

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Surge in E-Cigarette Use Among Pregnant Adolescents, White Teens at Highest Risk

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Cigarette Use Decline: In contrast, exclusive cigarette use decreased from 9.2% in 2017 to 3.2% in 2021.
  4. 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.

Credit: JAMA Network Open, Xiaozhong Wen

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E-Cigarette Use Among US Adults Remains High, Especially Among Young Adults, Reveals 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey

A comprehensive study examines the prevalence and patterns of e-cigarette use in 2021, revealing a concerning trend among young adults.

A recent cross-sectional study analyzing the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data has shed light on the continued prevalence of e-cigarette use among US adults. The study, which included 414,755 participants, revealed significant findings that have raised concerns about nicotine addiction and public health policies, particularly among young adults.

High Prevalence of E-Cigarette Use: The study found that 6.9% of the participants reported current e-cigarette use, with almost half of them (3.2%) using e-cigarettes daily. The prevalence was highest among young adults aged 18 to 24, with over 18% reporting current e-cigarette use. This data underscores that e-cigarette use remains a common practice among US adults, even in 2021.

Alarming Trend Among Young Adults: One of the most concerning aspects of the study was the high prevalence of e-cigarette use among young adults aged 18 to 20. Astonishingly, 71.5% of individuals in this age group who reported current e-cigarette use had no prior history of combustible cigarette use. This observation points to a growing issue of e-cigarette use initiation among tobacco-naive young adults, potentially leading to long-term health risks.

Daily E-Cigarette Use: Another significant finding was the high proportion of daily e-cigarette users among those who reported current e-cigarette use. Nearly half (46.6%) of these individuals used e-cigarettes daily, suggesting a shift from experimental to established use. This transition has raised concerns about nicotine addiction and its long-term health implications.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The study suggests that the prevalence of e-cigarette use in 2021 might have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors such as increased online sales and psychosocial stress related to the pandemic may have contributed to the observed patterns. These discrepancies in prevalence estimates compared to previous years emphasize the need to consider pandemic-specific factors in understanding e-cigarette use trends.

Policy Implications: The study findings highlight the importance of implementing and enforcing public health policies tailored to young adults. Tighter regulations, such as Tobacco 21 legislation and e-cigarette flavor bans, could help address the high prevalence of e-cigarette use in this vulnerable age group. Additionally, continuous surveillance and data collection are crucial for monitoring and responding to dynamic changes in tobacco consumption patterns.

In conclusion, the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey reveals that e-cigarette use remains a significant public health concern in the United States, especially among young adults. The high prevalence, initiation among tobacco-naive individuals, and daily usage patterns emphasize the need for targeted policies and continuous monitoring to address this issue.

Source and credit: JAMA Network Open Journal

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Study Identifies Key Risk Factors for Adolescent E-Cigarette Use

Machine Learning Analysis Reveals Important Influences on Adolescent ENDS Use

The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly known as e-cigarettes, among adolescents has been on the rise, presenting a significant public health concern. A recent study conducted between December 2017 and November 2019 has identified several key risk factors associated with ENDS use among adolescents who had never used tobacco at baseline. The research, utilizing machine learning techniques, aimed to provide insights into the factors contributing to the growth of ENDS use among youths.

Key Findings: The study analyzed data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, involving 7,943 adolescents who had never used tobacco at the beginning of the research. Among the notable findings were:

  1. Peer Influence: Adolescents who had best friends using ENDS were more likely to start using them themselves. Specifically, the likelihood of using ENDS increased if offered by a best friend.
  2. Family Influence: Living with a person who uses tobacco also played a significant role in adolescents’ ENDS use.
  3. Curiosity: Adolescents expressing curiosity about ENDS use were more susceptible to using them in the near future.
  4. Future Intentions: Those who expressed an intention to use ENDS in the future were more likely to initiate usage.
  5. Economic Factors: Adolescents with higher average weekly earnings were more at risk of current ENDS use.
  6. Safety Perception: Adolescents who perceived tobacco products as safe were more likely to use ENDS.
  7. Education Level: The grade level of adolescents also impacted ENDS use, with higher-grade levels showing a slightly higher risk.

Discussion: The study findings highlight the strong influence of peers and family on adolescents’ ENDS use, emphasizing the pivotal role of social circles and family in shaping youth behaviors. Moreover, economic factors and adolescents’ intentions and curiosity regarding ENDS are key contributors to usage. The study further indicates that understanding these risk factors can help design more effective tobacco control and prevention strategies.

Implications: As the prevalence of ENDS use among adolescents continues to rise, these findings are crucial for public health authorities and policymakers. To combat the tobacco epidemic and protect youth from harmful substances, family and school environments should play a central role in educating and guiding adolescents regarding tobacco-related matters. Additionally, monitoring adolescents’ spending habits and activities, especially among those with higher earnings, can help prevent undesirable behaviors.

This study serves as a valuable tool to better understand and address the factors driving ENDS use among adolescents, ultimately contributing to more effective prevention and intervention efforts.

Source: JAMA Network Open Journal