Comparing Factors Related to Any Conventional Cigarette Smokers, Exclusive New Alternative Product Users, and Non-Users among Japanese Youth: A Nationwide Survey

The impact of heated-tobacco-products (HTPs) and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) on youth is a controversial public health issue, as it is unknown whether alternative products result in more youth using such products or smoking. In Japan, e-cigarettes with nicotine are prohibited, but e-cigarettes without nicotine are available. HTPs are marketed as tobacco products. Within this unique context, we aimed to compare any conventional cigarette smokers (including those who also used alternative products) with exclusive users of alternative products and examine factors relating to their use in Japan. In 2017, 22,275 students in grades 7–9 (age 12–15) and 42,142 in grades 10–12 (age 15–18) nationwide were surveyed. Overall, 1.8% were current users of any of the three products over the last month. Multivariable analysis revealed that risk factors for alternative product use were the same as those for cigarette use. Among all users, exclusive new product users were more likely to participate in club activities and intend to continue to higher education; any conventional cigarette users (including those who also used alternative products) were more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke at home and to drink alcohol. Reducing adult smoking and disseminating health education remain relevant as strategies for preventing adolescents’ future tobacco use.

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Workplace smoke-free policies that allow heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes use are associated with use of both these products and conventional tobacco smoking: the 2018 JASTIS study

Tobacco Control ◽

10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055465 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. tobaccocontrol-2019-055465

Author(s):

Yanakawee Siripongvutikorn ◽

Takahiro Tabuchi ◽

Sumiyo Okawa

Keyword(s):

Regression Models ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Internet Survey ◽

Survey Study ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Cigarette Smokers ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

National Legislation ◽

Adjusted Rate ◽

Rate Ratios

ObjectivesHeated tobacco products (HTPs) and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are rapidly gaining popularity, especially in Japan. However, at the time of the survey (2018), there was no national legislation banning HTPs or e-cigarette use in the workplace. The objective is to examine the current situation for workplace smoke-free policies which ban the use of HTPs/e-cigarettes and the associations of such rules with the use of HTP and e-cigarette as well as conventional cigarette smoking.MethodsAn internet-based self-reported questionnaire survey was conducted in 2018 as a part of the Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey study. 5646 eligible employees aged 15–72 years were analysed. Proportions and adjusted rate ratios for HTP and e-cigarette use were calculated according to covariates, using Poisson regression models. Those who reported HTP or e-cigarette use within 30 days were defined as current user of the products.ResultsIn workplaces which prohibited smoking indoors but permitted the use of HTPs/e-cigarettes, the rate ratios of HTP use was 2.19 (95% CI 1.57 to 3.06), e-cigarette use was 3.86 (95% CI 1.97 to 7.57) and combustible cigarette use was 1.67 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.34) when using workplaces which also prohibited HTPs/e-cigarettes as a reference category.ConclusionsWorkplaces that allow HTP/e-cigarette use indoors were associated with higher rate for HTP and e-cigarette users, and for combustible cigarette smokers. National legislation banning tobacco should be enforced and also cover HTPs and e-cigarettes in order to avoid renormalisation of smoking and nicotine addiction.

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The Impact of Vaping on Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Outcomes

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/00031348211048849 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000313482110488

Author(s):

Mohsin Shah ◽

Mary K. Bryant ◽

Gita N. Mody ◽

Rebecca G. Maine ◽

Judson B. Williams ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spontaneous Pneumothorax ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax ◽

Smoking History ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Cigarette Smokers ◽

Never Smokers ◽

The Impact

Introduction Cigarette smoking is associated with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) are touted as a healthier alternative to cigarettes; however, the impact E-cigarette use has on PSP management is not known. The goal of this study was to determine if E-cigarette use is associated with inferior outcomes after PSP, compared to never smokers and cigarette smokers. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients in a large tertiary care hospital system in an urban area who presented with PSP from September 2015 through February 2019. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax patients were identified from the institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeon (STS) database. Patients with pneumothoraces from traumatic, iatrogenic, and secondary etiologies were excluded. Baseline clinical and demographic data and outcomes including intervention(s) required, length of stay, and recurrence were evaluated. Results Identified were 71 patients with PSP. Seventeen (24%) had unverifiable smoking history. Of the remaining, 7 (13%) currently vaped, 27(50%) currently smoked cigarettes, and 20(37%) were never smokers. Mean age was 33 years; 80% male. All vapers required tube thoracostomy vs 74% of current smokers and 75% of never smokers. Vaping was associated with increased odds of recurrence compared to never smokers (OR 2.00, 95% CI 0.35,11.44). Vapers had the shortest median time to recurrence after initial hospitalization (10 d[4,18] v 20 d[5,13] cigarette smokers v 27 d[13 275] never smokers, P < .001). Conclusion Vaping may complicate PSP outcomes. As vaping use increases, especially among adolescents, it is imperative that the manner of tobacco use is documented and considered when caring for patients, especially those with pulmonary problems.

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Polytobacco product use among current cigarette smokers in Hong Kong, China: results from population surveys (2015–17)

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10341-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

S. L. Chau ◽

M. P. Wang ◽

Y. Wu ◽

D. Y. T. Cheung ◽

A. Kong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Control Policy ◽

Tobacco Product ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cigarette Smokers ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

Product Use ◽

Younger Age ◽

Current Cigarette ◽

Age And Sex

Abstract Background Polytobacco product use is increasingly popular, but little is known about the prevalence, trend, and factors of such use particularly in non-western countries. Method A representative sample of 1139 current cigarette smokers aged 15+ (84.1% male) were telephone interviewed in Tobacco Control Policy-related Surveys in 2015–2017. Information collected included poly-tobacco use (PTU), smoking and socio-demographic characteristics. Associations of current PTU with related factors were analyzed using logistic regression with adjustment for confounders. Prevalence was weighted by age and sex of current cigarette users in the general population. Results Eighty-four point one percent (95% CI 81.4–86.6%) were exclusive cigarette smokers. Fifteen point nine percent (13.4–18.6%) were current polytobacco product users, 12.3% (10.2–14.8%) used one tobacco product and 2.52% (1.59–3.97%) used two tobacco products in addition to cigarette. Cigarette use with cigar was more common (6.28%, 4.75–8.27%), and the least used product with cigarette was e-cigarette (1.05%, 0.44–2.50%). The changes in overall prevalence of PTU by number of products use varied in 3 years. Current PTU was associated with being male (AOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.12–3.61), younger age (AORs range from 1.34–4.65, P for trend < .001) and less ready to quit (2.08, 1.09–3.97). Conclusions Prevalence of PTU increased slowly by year, one tobacco product use with cigarette was more common. The most used tobacco product with cigarette was cigar. Being male, younger and less ready to quit were associated with current PTU.

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E-cigarettes from the perspective of teenagers – results of focus studies

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

K Pluta ◽

Ł Balwicki

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Risky Behaviors ◽

Tobacco Prevention ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

Traditional Tobacco ◽

The Impact ◽

Natural Way

Abstract Research shows that over 80% of smokers start their habit under the age of 18. A few years ago young people undertook risky behaviors related to nicotine initiation mainly by smoking cigarettes. Today, next to traditional tobacco products, electronic cigarettes are becoming more and more popular. Due to the prevalence of new forms of nicotine addiction, modification of anti-tobacco prevention programs is required. The purpose of the research was exploration - learning the opinions and attitudes of young people towards e-cigarettes. The qualitative study was conducted using the FGI method (focus group interview). The meetings were modereted by specially trained psychologists. 48 students participated in the meetings of six focus groups, divided by gender and smoking status (smokers/non-smokers). The participants are young people aged 15-19, attending high schools in Warsaw, Kielce and Lublin. In conversations, young people emphasized the impact of e-cigarettes in smoking initiation - it usually occurs at the age of 12-14. E-cigarettes are perceived as cigarettes “for younger”, non-addictive, less serious, providing more entertainment. 'Cloud chasing' is particularly popular. They perform social functions - they are helpful in establishing relationships. Teenagers do not see the harmfulness of e-cigarettes. Participants mentioned their advantages over traditional tobacco products - they can be smoked everywhere and do not leave an unpleasant smell. Some of the respondents admit to the simultaneous use of electronic and traditional cigarettes. Moreover, many parents allow children to smoke electronic cigarettes. Vaping have become a natural way to relaxation and socialization for adolescents. E-cigarettes do not have such a negative connotation as traditional tobacco products. Young people do not see them as harmful, which is a challenge for effective preventive measures. Key messages Adolescents do not see e-cigarettes as harmful, which is a challenge for effective preventive measures. Vaping have become more and more popular - it's natural way to relaxation and socialization for young people.

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Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Harm From Specific Tobacco Products: Findings From the H.I.N.T. Survey

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/08901171211026116 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089011712110261

Author(s):

Wenxue Lin ◽

Joshua E. Muscat

Keyword(s):

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Model ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Cigarette Smokers ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

Single Item ◽

Knowledge And Beliefs ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

National Trends ◽

Medical Recommendations

Purpose: Determine whether dual tobacco users have different levels of knowledge about nicotine addiction, perceived harm beliefs of low nicotine cigarettes (LNCs) and beliefs about electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) Design: Quantitative, Cross-sectional Setting: Health Information National Trends Survey 5 (Cycle 3, 2019) Participants: Nationally representative adult non-smokers (n=3113), exclusive cigarette smokers (n=302), and dual (cigarette and e-cigarette) users (n=77). Measures: The survey included single item measures on whether nicotine causes addiction and whether nicotine causes cancer. A five-point Likert scale assessed comparative harm of e-cigarettes and LNCs relative to conventional combustible cigarettes (1=much more harmful, 3=equally harmful…5 = much less harmful, or don’t know). Analysis: We used weighted multiple linear regression model to estimate means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of e-cigarettes and LNCs beliefs by current tobacco user status. Results: Over 97% of dual users, 83% of non-smokers and 86% of exclusive cigarette smokers correctly identified that nicotine is addictive. The majority of subjects incorrectly identified nicotine as a cause of cancer, with dual users having the lowest proportion of incorrect responses (60%). Dual users rated e-cigarette harmfulness as less harmful than combustibles (mean=2.20; 95% CI=1.73, 2.66) while exclusive cigarette smokers and non-smokers rated them as similarly harmful. LNCs were considered equally harmful and addictive as conventional cigarettes. Conclusion: Dual users had a higher knowledge base of tobacco-related health effects. The effectiveness of policies or medical recommendations to encourage smokers to switch from cigarettes to LNCs or e-cigarettes will need to consider accurate and inaccurate misperceptions about the harm and addictiveness of nicotine. Improved public health messages about different tobacco products are needed.

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A pre-test post-test assessment of non-invasive keratograph break up time and corneal epithelial thickness after vaping

African Health Sciences ◽

10.4314/ahs.v19i4.13 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 2926-2933 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alvin Munsamy ◽

Bhavna Bhanprakash ◽

Amina Sirkhot ◽

Lufun Mlambo ◽

Samukelisiwe Dlamuka ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Corneal Epithelial ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Epithelial Thickness ◽

Test Assessment ◽

Post Test ◽

Corneal Epithelial Thickness ◽

Break Up ◽

The Impact

Background: The effects of electronic cigarettes on the ocular surface has yet to be shown. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of e-cigarette use on the anterior corneal surface integrity.Methods: Forty three males and 21 females with an average of 21years were required to vape 0.05ml of e-liquid of 8mg nicotine concentration. Corneal epithelial thickness (CET) and Non Invasive Keratograph Tear Break up Time (NIKBUT) measurements were obtained prior to and post vaping. The Optovue iVue optical coherence topographer was used to measure central; superior; inferior; nasal and temporal CET and NIKBUT was assessed using the Oculus Keratograph 5M.Results: There was a mean increase for central corneal epithelial thickness of 0.3448 microns. The superior CET increased by 0.2414 microns. The inferior CET increased by 0.2931microns. The nasal CET increased by 0.2069 microns. The temporal CET increased by 0.2759 microns. The mean change in NIKBUT post-vaping was an increase of 1.40 seconds. All observations occurred at p > 0.05.Conclusion: The acute effect of e-cigarette use does not impact corneal epithelial thickness and non-invasive keratography tear break up time after 10 puffs mild exposure but more research is needed to assess if this remains the case with more frequent, higher exposure.Keywords: Pre-test post-test assessment, non-invasive keratograph breakup time, corneal epithelial thickness, vaping.

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Effects of electronic cigarettes and hookah (waterpipe) use on home air quality

Tobacco Control ◽

10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056437 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-056437

Author(s):

Jenni A Shearston ◽

James Eazor ◽

Lily Lee ◽

M J Ruzmyn Vilcassim ◽

Taylor A Reed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

New York City ◽

Air Quality ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Major Site ◽

Passive Exposure ◽

Household Members ◽

The Impact ◽

Waterpipe Use

IntroductionA major site of secondhand smoke exposure for children and adults is the home. Few studies have evaluated the impact of e-cigarette or hookah use on home air quality, despite evidence finding toxic chemicals in secondhand e-cigarette aerosols and hookah smoke. We assessed the effect of e-cigarette and hookah use on home air quality and compared it with air quality in homes where cigarettes were smoked and where no smoking or e-cigarette use occurred.MethodsNon-smoking homes and homes where e-cigarettes, hookah or cigarettes were used were recruited in the New York City area (n=57) from 2015 to 2019. Particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), black carbon and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured during a smoking or vaping session, both in a ‘primary’ smoking room and in an adjacent ‘secondary’ room where no smoking or vaping occurred. Log transformed data were compared with postanalysis of variance Tukey simultaneous tests.ResultsUse of hookah significantly increased PM2.5 levels compared with non-smoking homes, in both the primary and secondary rooms, while use of e-cigarettes increased PM2.5 levels only in primary rooms. Additionally, in-home use of hookah resulted in greater CO concentrations than the use of cigarettes in primary rooms.ConclusionsUse of e-cigarettes or hookah increases air pollution in homes. For hookah, increases in PM2.5 penetrated even into rooms adjacent to where smoking occurs. Extending smoke-free rules inside homes to include e-cigarette and hookah products is needed to protect household members and visitors from passive exposure to harmful aerosols and gases.

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Biomarkers of Exposure for Dual Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Combustible Cigarettes: Nicotelline, NNAL, and Total Nicotine Equivalents

Nicotine & Tobacco Research ◽

10.1093/ntr/ntz235 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 22 (7) ◽

pp. 1107-1113

Author(s):

Peyton Jacob ◽

Gideon St. Helen ◽

Lisa Yu ◽

Natalie Nardone ◽

Christopher Havel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Half Life ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Tobacco Exposure ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Dual Use ◽

Biomarkers Of Exposure ◽

Urine Concentrations

Abstract Introduction Dual use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and combustible cigarettes is a major public health issue. It is generally accepted that exclusive e-cigarette use is less harmful than exclusive combustible cigarette use, but most e-cigarette users continue to smoke combustible cigarettes as well. To what extent the use of e-cigarettes reduces harm in people who continue to smoke combustible cigarettes has been debated. The aim of this study was to explore the utility of biomarkers as measures of dual use. Methods In two human studies of participants who used e-cigarettes only or both combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes, we measured urine concentrations of the metabolites of nicotine (total nicotine equivalents) as well as two biomarkers of tobacco exposure: 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), a tobacco-specific carcinogen metabolite, and nicotelline, a tobacco alkaloid not found in significant concentrations in e-cigarette products. Results The presence of nicotine metabolites indicates either e-cigarette or combustible cigarette use. Nicotelline (half-life of 2–3 hours) indicates recent combustible cigarette use and NNAL (half-life of 10 days or more), indicates combustible cigarette use occurring within several weeks prior to sample collection. Conclusions Nicotelline and NNAL are useful biomarkers for combustible tobacco use in users e-cigarettes. The application of these biomarkers provides a tool to help assess whether, or to what extent, dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes reduces harm compared to sole use of combustible cigarettes. These biomarkers can also verify exclusive use of e-cigarettes over short (24 hour) or long (several week) time periods. Implications: To what extent dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes reduce harm compared to smoking combustible cigarettes only is of considerable public health interest. We show that the levels of the minor tobacco alkaloid nicotelline and the nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) are extremely low in electronic cigarette fluids. The urine biomarkers nicotelline and the NNK metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) are indicative of cigarette smoking and can be used to assess recent and past smoking in dual users.

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A Comparison of Dependence across Different Types of Nicotine Containing Products and Coffee

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15081609 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. 1609

Author(s):

Karl Fagerstrom

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Random Sample ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

Coffee Consumption ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

Nicotine Replacement ◽

Heavy Smoking ◽

Different Types ◽

Smoking Index

Introduction: Few studies have compared the dependence to different tobacco and nicotine products. Even less is known about how it relates to dependence on other common drugs, e.g., caffeine. In this study degree of dependence was compared between snus, cigarettes, nicotine replacement (NR), electronic cigarettes and coffee. Methods: A random sample of Swedish citizens belonging to an internet panel were contacted from September to October 2017. The responders were asked among other related things about their use of snus, NR, traditional cigarette or e-cigarette use and coffee consumption. The indicators of dependence used were: (A) the Heavy Smoking Index, (B) The proportions that used within 30 min after raising in the morning, (C) rating the first use in the morning as the most important and (D) Stating that it would be very hard to give up entirely. Results: Significantly fewer coffee drinkers started use within 30 min of awakening compared with all other products. The first use of the day was found to be more important for snus users compared with other products. On HSI there was no difference between snus and cigarettes. Snus and cigarettes were rated as being more difficult to give up than NR and coffee. Conclusion: Dependence to traditional cigarettes and snus seem to be relatively similar while NR was rated lower and coffee lowest. Since the prevalence of caffeine use in all forms is so much more prevalent than nicotine there might be more persons in the society heavily dependent on caffeine. Implication: Tobacco products are likely more dependence forming than NR products and coffee although there might be more people dependent on caffeine. The addiction to coffee or caffeine is seldom discussed in the society probably because of the little or no harm it causes. Funding: The Snus Commission in Sweden (snuskommissionen) funded the data collection. No funding used for the analysis and writing of manuscript.

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Uptake and Perceptions of E-cigarette use in Vascular Patients

The Journal of Smoking Cessation ◽

10.1017/jsc.2018.17 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 83-87

Author(s):

Rachael Taylor ◽

David Sidloff ◽

Robert D. Sayers ◽

Matthew J. Bown ◽

Athanasios Saratzis

Keyword(s):

Smoking Cessation ◽

Risk Group ◽

Electronic Cigarettes ◽

High Risk Group ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Tobacco Products ◽

Patterns Of Use ◽

Initial Interviews

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are becoming increasingly popular. However, little is known regarding their patterns of use in patients with established CVD.Aims: We aimed to assess the perceptions and patterns of use of e-cigarettes in patients presenting to a vascular clinic.Methods: We performed a qualitative study to identify perceptions and beliefs about e-cigarettes. Semi-structured interviews of consecutive patients consenting to participate were performed over five-months. Individuals were recruited from a vascular surgery outpatient clinic. Initial interviews were based on a questionnaire. Further structured interviews were conducted with patients currently using e-cigarettes, which were transcribed and analysed to assess perceptions and patterns of use.Results/Findings: Four overarching themes emerged: attraction to e-cigarettes as a harm reduction/smoking cessation strategy; uncertainty regarding the risks of e-cigarettes; use of various types of smoking cessation strategies; dual use and often complete relapse to tobacco products.Conclusions: Patients with established CVD view e-cigarettes as a means of smoking cessation; however, many relapse to tobacco products or use both simultaneously. Further research is necessary regarding the role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation in this high-risk group.

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