Examining psychometric properties of the Metacognitions about Smoking Questionnaire among young e-cigarette users.

OBJECTIVE: Metacognition can be understood as 'cognition of cognition' or 'thinking about thinking'. Metacognition research has primarily focused on cigarette smoking, while e-cigarette use has been relatively unexplored. The study sought to examine the properties of the Metacognitions about Smoking Questionnaire (MSQ), as it was adapted for use among adolescent and young adult e-cigarette users. Further, the study sought to examine the ability of the Metacognitions about Smoking Questionnaire (MSQ) to predict past 30-day e-cigarette use among adolescent and young adult e-cigarette users. METHODS: The study analyzed data collected by the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance System (TATAMS) in Spring 2020. The instrument consisted of 20 items found to have sound psychometric properties when validated among self-defined cigarette smokers in the UK. The instrument was adapted for e-cigarette use by providing a brief description before the items. Participants were asked "Which of the following products you use most often?", and those who selected "e-cigarettes" were included in the study. Participants were then presented with 20 statements about beliefs people hold about using e-cigarette and were instructed to determine their agreement with the statements on a four-point Likert scale with respect to e-cigarette use. Factors were extracted using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and factor structure was verified using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Further, each of the extracted factors were used to predict past 30-day e-cigarette use frequency in the most frequent group, using conditional effects, holding the most frequent category of categorical covariates, mean of continuous covariates and the other two metacognitive factors as reference levels. Past 30-day e-cigarette use was measured as the number of days of use in the past 30-days. RESULTS: Participants who reported e-cigarette use in the past 30-days were included in this analysis (n = 244). Participants were in 10th grade (n = 46), 12th grade (n = 92) and two years beyond high school (n = 106). EFA was conducted and items were assessed with varimax rotation. CFA was conducted with multiple models (one factor, two factor and three factor solutions) and the 3-factor solution showed the best fit. Factors were named as 'positive metacognitions about cognitive regulation'(PMCR) (e.g. '…helps me think more clearly'), 'positive metacognitions about emotional regulation'(PMER) (e.g. '…helps me to relax when I am agitated'), and 'negative metacognitions'(NM) (e.g. 'It is hard to control my desire for e-cigarettes'). Cronbach's alpha showed high internal consistency (0.92, 0.90 and 0.91, respectively). The median score (range) was 7 (5-20), 10 (5-20), and 11 (10-40) on PMCR, PMER, and NM factors. Higher scores denote higher levels of outcome expectancies of that factor. Lowest and highest score on PMCR was associated with 15 and 20.4 days of e-cigarette use in the past 30-days, respectively. Similarly, lowest and highest score on PMER and NM were associated with 13.2 and 21 days, and 14.7 and 24.6 days, respectively. The results indicate that participants who reported highest outcome expectancies for cognitive regulation, emotional regulation, and negative outcomes, used e-cigarettes on average 5, 8 and 10 days more than those who reported lowest outcome expectancies for these factors. CONCLUSION: The MSQ showed good psychometric soundness for measuring metacognitive factors associated with e-cigarette use. For cigarette smoking, the original questionnaire distinguished negative cognitions of 'uncontrollability' and 'cognitive interference', which was not seen in e-cigarette users. This indicates a difference in cognitions of cigarette and e-cigarette users. The instrument can help understand the similar role of cognition in e-cigarette use behavior and further assess association with e-cigarette use.

Anxiety as a predictor of the age of initiation of tobacco and cannabis use in adolescents and young adults.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown important links between anxiety and the use of tobacco and cannabis. However, it remains unclear whether anxiety leads youth to start using tobacco and cannabis at an earlier age. METHODS: Data were drawn from Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance System for the years 2019-2021(Waves 9-14). Participants were in 10th-grade, 12th-grade, and two years post-high school at baseline. The outcomes were the age of first use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis. Interval-censoring Cox proportional hazards models were fit to examine the differences in the estimated age of initiation of tobacco and cannabis use by anxiety. RESULTS: Among the 10th-grade cohort, participants with anxiety had an increased risk of an earlier age of cigarette [AHR = 2.29(1.63-3.23)], e-cigarette [AHR = 1.53(1.17-2.00)], and cannabis [AHR = 1.59(1.23-2.05)] initiation. Among the 12th-grade cohort, participants with anxiety had an increased risk of an earlier age of cigarette [AHR = 1.52(1.21-1.90), e-cigarette [1.25(1.01-1.60)] and cannabis [AHR = 1.35(1.09-1.67] initiation. Among the post-high school cohort, the only significant association found was for cannabis initiation [AHR = 1.33(1.11-1.58). Between ages 18-to-19 years in the 10th-grade cohort, and between ages 20-21 years in the 12th-grade cohort, cumulative incidence of each of the three outcomes initiation doubled among anxious youth. CONCLUSIONS: This study's findings show that anxiety symptoms can increase the risk of substance use initiation at an earlier age, especially among the youngest adolescent cohort (∼15-to-16-year-olds). These findings highlight the importance of early screening and treatment of anxiety symptoms as a preventive measure to delay or prevent the onset of substance use initiation.

Depressive symptoms and the age of initiation of tobacco and marijuana use among adolescents and young adults.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated important associations between depressive symptoms and tobacco and marijuana use. However, to date, it is unknown if depressive symptoms predispose youth to tobacco and marijuana use at earlier ages over time. METHODS: Data from the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance System (TATAMS) for the years 2019-2021 (Waves 9-14) were used. Eligible samples include individuals who had never used cigarette (n=1776), e-cigarette (n=1353), or marijuana (n=1505) at basline and had complete data on covariates. Interval-censoring survival analysis was used to examine the differences in the estimated age of first use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana by depressive symptoms. RESULTS: 10th-grade cohort participants with depressive symptoms had increased risk of earlier age of first use of cigarette [AHR=1.45; 95% CI=1.02-2.04)], e-cigarette [AHR=1.65(1.27-2.15)], and marijuana [AHR=1.56(1.20-2.01)]. 12th-grade cohort participants with depressive symptoms had increased risk of earlier age of first use of cigarette [AHR=1.41(1.11-1.82), e-cigarette [AHR=1.35(1.10-1.87)] and marijuana [AHR=1.25(1.01-1.55)]. However, among the two-year post-high school cohort, depressive symptoms predicted the age of first use of marijuana only [AHR=1.34(1.13-1.60)]. Between ages 18-to-20 years, the estimated cumulative incidence of initiation almost doubled for all three products among depressive participants in 10th and 12th-grade cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Among 10th-grade, 12th-grade, and 2-year post-HS students, those with depressive symptoms initiate tobacco and marijuana use at earlier ages than peers without depressive symptoms. Early screening and management of depressive symptoms among adolescents and young adults may be a promising target for preventing or delaying the age of first use of substance use.

The Association Between Tobacco and Cannabis Use and the Age of Onset of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: Among Adolescents and Young Adults.

INTRODUCTION: No studies have prospectively explored the association between the use of tobacco or cannabis use and the age of onset of depressive or anxiety symptoms, and no studies have identified the peak ages and ranges of onset of these symptoms among tobacco and/or cannabis users. AIMS AND METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance System data, waves 9-14 (2019-20121). Participants were in 10th grade, 12th grade, and 2 years post-high school (HS) at baseline (wave 9). Interval-censoring multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were fit to assess differences in the estimated age of onset of depression and anxiety by tobacco and cannabis use while adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: We found that lifetime or ever cigarette, e-cigarette, and cannabis use had an increased risk of an earlier age of onset of depressive and anxiety symptoms across the three cohorts, and the youngest cohort was the most differentially impacted by substance use. Between ages 18 to 19 years in the 10th-grade cohort, between ages 20 to 21 years in the 12th-grade cohort, and between ages 22 to 23 years in the post-HS cohort, the estimated hazard function (or cumulative incidence) for reporting depressive and anxiety symptoms almost doubled among lifetime cigarette, e-cigarette, and cannabis users. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco and cannabis users should be screened for mental health problems at an earlier age, especially those aged 18 years and younger, and provided with age- and culturally appropriate resources to prevent or delay the onset of anxiety and/or depression symptoms. IMPLICATIONS: The study's findings indicate that tobacco and cannabis use is directly linked to the early onset of depressive and anxiety symptoms among youth. This highlights the significance of early screening and substance use interventions, particularly for youth aged 18 years and younger, as they are disproportionately affected by both substance use and mental health problems. School-based interventions that are age- and culturally appropriate hold promise as they enable youth to seek professional help early, and in a supportive environment. Intervening early in substance shows promise in reducing the likelihood of developing mental health problems at a young age.

Association of tobacco and marijuana use with symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents and young adults in Texas.

INTRODUCTION: Young people with depression and/or anxiety may self-medicate with tobacco or tobacco with marijuana to reduce their symptoms. This study sought to differentiate between the use of tobacco products as intended and tobacco products modified to accommodate marijuana, and to explore their relationships with symptoms of depression and anxiety among youth and young adults. METHODS: The study is a secondary analysis of Wave 9 (Spring 2019) data from the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance (TATAMS) (n=2439, N=274030). Anxiety and major depressive symptoms were measured by GAD-7 and PHQ-9, respectively. RESULTS: The odds of reporting current use of e-cigarettes without marijuana (adjusted prevalence odds ratio, APOR=2.34; 95% CI: 1.30-4.21, p=0.005) and current use of combustible tobacco without marijuana (APOR=2.99; 95% CI: 1.26-7.09, p=0.014) were significantly higher among those who reported depression/anxiety comorbidity compared to those who reported no symptoms of major depressive symptoms (MDS), anxiety or comorbidity. The odds of reporting ever use of e-cigarettes with marijuana (APOR=3.68; 95% CI: 1.69- 8.00, p=0.001), current use of e-cigarettes with marijuana (APOR=2.76; 95% CI: 1.28-5.97, p=0.01) and ever use of combustible tobacco with marijuana (APOR=3.99; 95% CI: 1.66-9.58, p=0.002) were significantly higher among those reporting only MDS compared to those who reported no symptoms of MDS, anxiety or comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings can have implications for intervention planning, as interventions need to address marijuana and nicotine use in tobacco products and address anxiety and depression.

Emotional symptoms and sensation seeking: Implications for tobacco interventions for youth and young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Although emotional symptoms and sensation seeking are recognized as important risk factors for tobacco use among youth and young adults, to date, their joint influence on tobacco use has not been examined. METHODS: Data used in this study are from the Texas Adolescent Tobacco and Marketing Surveillance study, a population-based cohort. At baseline, in 2014, participants were in the 10th grade. Mixed-effects logistic regression models examined associations between emotional symptoms and sensation seeking in 2014 and odds of past 30-day cigarette and e-cigarette use in 2018. Interactions between emotional symptoms and sensation seeking were examined to assess whether one modifies the effect of the other on cigarette and e-cigarette use. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, school type, and ever use of cigarettes or e-cigarettes at baseline, adolescents with high emotional symptoms (AORcig=1.97; 95% CI:1.07-3.60, and AORe-cig=1.68; 95% CI: 1.06-2.66) and with high sensation seeking tendencies (AORcig=2.05; 95% CI: 1.03-4.10, and AORe-cig=1.68; 95% CI: 1.02-2.76) had significantly higher odds of past 30-day cigarette and e-cigarette use four years later compared to adolescents with low emotional symptoms and low sensation seeking tendencies. The interaction was significant (p=0.01) for e-cigarette use only; among low sensation seekers, adolescents who reported high levels of emotional symptoms were at increased risk for past 30-day use (AORe-cig=3.43; 95% CI: 1.38-8.51), and among adolescents with low emotional symptoms, high sensation seekers were at increased for risk for past 30-day use (AORe-cig=3.50; 95% CI: 1.54-7.91). CONCLUSIONS: It is important for tobacco use prevention programs to consider both behavioral risk factors - sensation seeking and emotional symptoms - in an integrative way, to target high risk subgroups and thereby increase the efficacy of existing effective intervention strategies in order to curb tobacco use among youth and young adults.