Changes in E-cigarette Use, Cigarette Smoking, and Dual-Use Among the Youth (13-15 Years) in 10 Countries (2013-2019)-Analyses of Global Youth Tobacco Surveys.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing use of e-cigarettes among the youth is a public health problem that needs surveillance. We report changes in e-cigarette use, cigarette smoking, and "dual use" among youth in 10 countries. AIMS AND METHODS: Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS)s from Georgia, Iraq, Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Romania, and San Marino were analyzed. Changes in prevalence of "awareness of e-cigarettes," "ever use" (even tried a few puffs) and "current use" (during last 30 days) of e-cigarettes and cigarette smoking, and "dual use" (both e-cigarette and cigarette smoking) between baseline (2013 and 2014) and most recent (2017-2019) surveys were estimated. RESULTS: "Awareness of e-cigarettes" and "ever e-cigarette use" significantly increased (p < .001). "Ever e-cigarette use" was highest in Italy, 93% (95% CI 90.9, 94.4). "Current e-cigarette use" significantly (p < .05) increased by > 50% in most countries. During the most recent surveys, "current e-cigarette" use was > 10% in five countries Italy (18.3%) and Latvia (18.5%) being the highest. Cigarette smoking significantly declined in Italy, Latvia, Peru, and San Marino (p < .05) but remains unchanged in other countries. "Dual use" (both electronic and conventional cigarettes) significantly increased in all countries (p < .001). During the most recent surveys "dual use" was highest in Italy (10%, 95% CI 8.1, 12.2) and Latvia (8.6%, 95% CI 7.2, 10.2). Youth aged 14 and ≥15 years the smokers, were more likely to be e-cigarette users. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness and use of e-cigarettes and "dual use" among youth have increased. Closer monitoring of tobacco use among youths and comprehensive tobacco control policies inclusive of e-cigarettes are needed. IMPLICATIONS: Secondary data analyses of serial GYTSs in 10 countries showed that both awareness of e-cigarette and e-cigarette use has increased among school-going youth aged 13-15 years. A concurrent increase in "dual use" of e-cigarettes and cigarette smoking during the last 30 days in all 10 countries indicates continued cigarette smoking in the absence of e-cigarettes because of the common risk construct of tobacco product use. Results call for continued surveillance of both e-cigarettes and cigarette smoking among school-going youth. Comprehensive tobacco control measures inclusive of e-cigarettes should be implemented to reduce tobacco use among the youth.