Multiple Tobacco Product Use Among Youth E-Cigarette Users: National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2020.

PURPOSE: Limited information exists on multiple tobacco product use, particularly among youth. This study assessed the prevalence of current youth use of e-cigarettes with other tobacco products and their associated characteristics using 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey data. METHODS: Prevalence estimates were calculated for current e-cigarette users, by multiple tobacco product use status and product combination. Demographic characteristics, e-cigarette use behaviors, age at first combustible tobacco use, and tobacco dependence symptoms were compared between current users of both e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco (dual users) and current exclusive e-cigarette users. RESULTS: In 2020, 61.1% of all current e-cigarette users reported exclusive e-cigarette use, and 38.9% used e-cigarettes with other tobacco products. Among those who used e-cigarettes with other tobacco products, 85.0% used combustible tobacco, with cigarettes being the most commonly used other tobacco product. Compared with current exclusive e-cigarette users, higher proportions of dual users reported the following: frequent e-cigarette use; obtaining e-cigarettes from gas stations, persons other than a family member/friend, vape shops, or the internet; and having any tobacco dependence symptoms. Among dual users, 31.2% reported first combustible product use after e-cigarette initiation, and 34.3% reported first combustible product use prior to e-cigarette initiation. DISCUSSION: Approximately four in 10 youth current e-cigarette users reported using multiple tobacco products, with a majority using combustible tobacco. Frequent e-cigarette use and tobacco dependence symptoms were more prevalent among dual users of e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco.

Confluence of crises: COVID-19, "gassings", blood draws and the continued importance of community engagement in Zambia.

Background: Nationally representative, household-based, health-related surveys are an invaluable source of health information, but face implementation challenges. In sub-Saharan Africa, these challenges are exacerbated when surveys include the collection of biological specimens. In this study, we describe the potential implementation challenges identified during field practice leading up to the 2020 Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) survey, and explore the role of two crises on community mistrust of, and apprehension to, participate in the survey. Methods: Using focus group methodology to better understand the influence of crises on ZAMPHIA participation, we conducted 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) in five districts across two provinces. FGDs were conducted with three purposively sampled study groups: recognized household heads, community leaders, and young adults aged 18-24 years. We used reflexive thematic analysis to develop themes from across the FGDs. Results: We identified two key themes: the ever-present threat a stranger posed to the community is enhanced by crises, and endorsement of community awareness through sensitization can mitigate outsider challenges in medical research. Conclusion: We argue that these crises emphasized underlying mistrust that can only be addressed with substantial investment in community engagement efforts to build trust and partnership in medical research endeavors. Our findings underline the importance of prioritizing community engagement through substantial investment in varied and extensive approaches to sensitization to facilitate community engagement toward community acceptance of ZAMPHIA and similar studies.

Electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use patterns and its associations with cigarette smoking and nicotine addiction among Asian Americans: Findings from the national adult tobacco survey (NATS) 2013-2014.

This study examined the ENDS use and their associations with conventional cigarette smoking and nicotine addiction among Asian Americans (AAs). The study sample was restricted to Non-Hispanic AAs (n = 1,956) using the National Adult Tobacco Survey (NATS) 2013-2014. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions were employed. AAs who ever used ENDS reported they were more likely to smoke conventional cigarettes, smoke ≤100 cigarettes in a lifetime, and felt more difficulty concentrating without using tobacco than those who never used END. Study findings indicate that ENDS use may be associated with conventional cigarette smoking and may lead to nicotine addiction among AAs.