E-cigarette use behaviors and device characteristics of daily exclusive e-cigarette users in Maryland: Implications for product toxicity

Angela Aherrera, Atul Aravindakshan, Stephanie Jarmul, Pablo Olmedo, Rui Chen, Joanna E. Cohen, Ana Navas Acien, Ana M. Rule

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Few studies to date have characterized daily exclusive e-cigarette users, device characteristics, and use behaviors. This study describes daily e-cigarette user characteristics, and assesses the association between user behaviors and demographics. METHODS From 2015-2017, 100 daily exclusive e-cigarette users and 50 nonusers were recruited in Maryland, USA. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, e-cigarette/tobacco use behaviors, device characteristics, and reasons for e-cigarette use were collected by interview. Chi-squared tests (categorical variables), Student's t-test (continuous variables), and linear regressions were used to assess relationships between variables. RESULTS Most daily exclusive e-cigarette users were men, White, former smokers, used MODs/tanks, and vaped on average 365 puffs/day (SD: 720). A third of users first vaped within 5 minutes of waking in the morning, and 56% vaped throughout the day. E-liquid consumption ranged from 5-240 mL/week (median: 32.5), with nicotine concentration 0-24 mg/mL (median: 3). E-cigarette users were more likely to report wheezing/whistling and hypertension than controls, although the finding was not statistically significant after adjustment. Less than half planned to quit vaping. CONCLUSIONS Daily e-cigarette users between 2015-2017 most commonly vaped MOD/tank devices. Being male and of lower education was associated with higher usage. Daily users with no intention to quit may be at risk for increased exposure to emissions from e-cigarettes that include inorganic (metals) and organic (e.g. acrolein, formaldehyde) compounds with known toxic effects, particularly to the lung. Further research is needed to characterize the long-term health effects of daily e-cigarette use.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalTobacco Induced Diseases
Volume18
Issue numberNovember
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Device characteristics
  • E-cigarettes
  • Health implications
  • Nicotine
  • Use patterns and behaviors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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