Associations between ENDS and cigarette use, and compromised immunity in US adults: Findings from the 2021-2022 NHIS.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use presents increased risks for individuals with weakened immune systems (WIS). We investigated the association between cigarette and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS or e-cigarettes) use and WIS in US adults using data from the 2021-2022 National Health Interview Survey. METHODS: Data from 57,133 adults were analyzed, focusing on WIS prevalence due to health conditions, prescriptions, or both. Cigarette and ENDS use were categorized as never, former, or current. Weighted multivariable regression models adjusted for demographics and other health conditions to assess associations between tobacco use and WIS. RESULTS: Among US adults, 4.3% had prescription-related WIS, 4.6% had health condition-related WIS, and 7% had WIS due to either reason. Adjusted results from multivariable regression models indicated that adults with WIS due to health conditions were more likely to be current (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.05-1.40) and former (AOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.11-1.39) cigarette smokers compared to counterparts without WIS. Adults with WIS due to prescriptions were more likely to be former cigarette smokers (AOR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.06-1.34). Those with WIS for any reason were more likely to be current (AOR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.05-1.35) and former (AOR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.13-1.36) cigarette smokers. Adults with WIS due to health conditions (AOR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06-1.41) or any reasons (AOR = 1.19, 95%CI:1.05-1.34) were more likely to be former ENDS users compared to those without WIS. CONCLUSIONS: In this nationally representative study, we found a notable link between cigarette and ENDS use with WIS, particularly among those with health condition-related or prescription-related WIS, underscoring the importance of addressing tobacco use in this vulnerable population.

Would banning menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, and flavored e-cigarettes prompt users to seek illicit channels for obtaining them in the United States?

BACKGROUND: Banning flavors in tobacco and nicotine products may reduce youth initiation and prompt quit attempts but such bans may lead to illicit markets. We examined how likely current users would be to seek flavored products from illicit channels under various ban scenarios. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys of 2552 current users of menthol cigarettes or flavored cigars and 2347 users of flavored e-cigarettes were conducted between 2021 and 2022 in the United States. For each ban scenario, respondents reported if they would have intentions to seek the banned flavored products from any illicit channels and identified the specific illicit channel they would consider. Logistic regressions were used to estimate how the likelihood of having intentions to seek illicit channels was associated with demographics, ban scenarios, and status of tobacco use. RESULTS: Under various ban scenarios, 24-30% of people who smoked said they would seek illicit channels to obtain the banned products compared with 21-41% of dual users and 35-39% of users of flavored e-cigarettes. Online retailers were favored by people who smoked while users of flavored e-cigarettes favored local retailers. Heavy users were more likely to say they would try illicit channels. Under bans restricting more types of flavored tobacco products, users would be less likely to try illegal channels. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of users of flavored tobacco and nicotine products would not reject using illicit banned products. Tailored programs are needed to apply to the groups with a higher risk of seeking illicit channels for banned products.

Predictors of Adolescents' Transition Through the Stages of Change for Quitting E-Cigarettes: Findings From the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study.

PURPOSE: To identify predictive factors associated with US adolescents' transition through the stages of change for potentially quitting e-cigarettes using the Trans-theoretical model of behavior change. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: United States. SUBJECTS: We utilized data from adolescents (12-17 years) in Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study who used e-cigarettes exclusively over the past 30 days (n = 177) and were followed up with in Wave 4. MEASURES: Outcome variables were 3 transition categories: those who remained stagnant, those who progressed, and those who regressed in their stage of quitting e-cigarettes. Predictor variables were socio-demographics, e-cigarette harm perception, e-cigarette use at home or by important people, social norms, e-cigarette and anti-tobacco advertisements, and e-cigarette health warnings. ANALYSIS: Weighted-adjusted multinomial regression analysis was performed to determine the association between predictor and outcome variables. RESULTS: From Wave 3 to Wave 4, 19% of adolescents remained stagnant; 73.3% progressed; and 7.7% regressed. Adolescents were less likely to progress in their stage of change if they perceived nicotine in e-cigarettes to be "not at all/slightly harmful" (AOR = .26 [95% CI: .25, .27], P < .001); reported important people's use of e-cigarettes (AOR = .18 [95% CI: .05, .65, P = .009); and "rarely" noticed e-cigarette health warnings (AOR = .28 [95% CI: .08, .98, P = .054). CONCLUSION: Intervention efforts must target specific predictive factors that may help adolescents quit e-cigarettes.