Joel W Grube, PhD, grube@prev.org
Membership status: APA Fellow Coauthor(s):
Melissa H Abadi, PhD, mabadi@pire.org
Kirsten T Thompson, MA, kthompson@PIRE.org
Stephen Shamblen, PhD, sshamblen@PIRE.org
Summary: Vaping by adolescents is a serious public health issue given its popularity and adverse consequences, including risk of addiction and e-cigarette or vaping product associated lung injury. Little is known, however, about patterns of use, product preferences, or predictors of
daily vaping in this population. We addressed these issues using data from 50 youth vapers (ages 14-17; 42% females) in Kentucky. Daily surveys over two weeks (700 observations) provided intensive data on e-cig and tobacco use patterns and preferences. Participants reported non-use on 38% of days, exclusive vaping on 44%, exclusive smoking on 8%, dual use (vaping and smoking within 24 hours) on 9%, and concurrent use (any tobacco product use within two hours of vaping) on 12%.
Over the two-week period participants, on average, vaped 7 times per day, took 55 puffs per day, and smoked 2 cigarettes per day. Participants reported vaping flavors on 87% of days when they vaped nicotine. Females reported vaping flavors on more days than males. Younger participants reported vaping flavors on more days than older participants. Favorite flavors were fruit (51%), mint (30%), and candy/sweets (20%). We used mixed effects random intercept regressions and random intercept generalized linear models to investigate predictors of vaping. Significant linear trends indicated greater vaping on weekends. Endorsing flavors as a reason for vaping was associated with greater intentions to vape the next day. Vaping tobacco flavor was associated greater frequency of vaping. Vaping fruit flavors was associated with taking more puffs per occasion and greater willingness to vape. Overall, the data indicate that flavors, especially fruit flavors, may play a role in intentions and willingness to vape and for early onset and frequency and intensity of vaping among youth. These data provide support for limiting or prohibiting these flavors in order to prevent or reduce vaping among youth.
