Characterization of E-Cigarette Users According to Device Type, Use Behaviors, and Self-Reported Health Outcomes: Findings from the EMIT Study

Details

• Personal Author:
  Aherrera A ; Chen R ; Lin JJY ; Mihalic J ; Moustafa D ; Navas-Acien A ; Rule AM ; Tehrani M ; Tillery A
• Description:
  Introduction: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) rapidly evolved from large modifiable (MOD) devices, to small and affordable 'POD' devices. Detailed information on user demographics and preferences according to device type, which can inform potential chemical exposure and policy recommendations, is currently limited. The goal of this study is to describe user demographics, use behaviors and preferences, as well as self-reported health outcomes according to the e-cigarette device type used. Methods: From April 2019 to March 2020, 91 participants from Maryland (18 MOD users, 26 POD users, 16 dual users (use of both combustible and e-cigarettes), and 31 non-users (never e-cigarette users and never smokers or >6 months former use) were recruited. A comprehensive questionnaire collected sociodemographic characteristics, e-cigarette/tobacco use behaviors, self-reported health outcomes, device characteristics and preferences. Chi-squared tests for categorical variables, ANOVA for continuous variables, qualitative thematic analysis, linear and logistic regressions were used to assess relationships between variables and groups. Results: POD users were younger (average 22.5 years) than MOD users (30.8 years) or dual users (34.3 years) (p<0.001). MOD users reported more puffs per day (mean +/- SD: 373 +/- 125 puffs) compared to POD users (123.0 +/- 172.5). E-cigarette users who were former smokers used 1.16 mg/mL lower nicotine concentrations compared to lifetime exclusive e-cigarette users (p=0.03) in linear models. Exclusive POD users self-reported more coughing than exclusive MOD or dual users (p=0.02). E-cigarette users reported more shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue from their e-cigarette use compared to non-users. Conclusions: We found significant differences between user demographics, e-cigarette preferences, device characteristics, and use behaviors by user group. This information can help explain exposure to chemicals from e-cigarettes, including compounds with known toxic effects (e.g. metals, formaldehyde), and help inform the design of prevention and intervention strategies and policy decisions. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Age Factors Behavior Demography Electrical Equipment And Supplies Nicotine Occupational Health Safety Smokers
• Keywords:
  Age Factors Author Keywords: ENDS Behaviors Demographic Characteristics Demographic Classification Electronic Cigarettes Electronic Devices Population Studies Smoking
• ISSN:
  1617-9625
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  Maryland ; New York ; OSHA Region 2 ; OSHA Region 3
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  21
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20069518
• Citation:
  Tob Induc Dis 2023 Dec; 21:159
• Contact Point Address:
  Angela Aherrera, Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, 21205 Maryland, United States
• Email:
  aaherre2@jhu.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2024
• Performing Organization:
  Johns Hopkins University
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Tobacco Induced Diseases
• End Date:
  20280630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:91499a4615b5c4698ab78b1be2bf0d1f262741339b4d45d8ba2f6f6653b8750b1895383f5d53ddd10b22f562039a6038c1ab1a462486a5f896fe2acb1e15e078
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/207944/cdc_207944_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 184.99 KB ]