Citation

Levy, D., Tam, J., Sanchez-Romero, L.M., Li, Y., Yuan, Z., Travis, N, Jeon, J, Meza, R. (2021). Public health implications of vaping in the US: The smoking and vaping simulation model. Population Health Metrics, 19(1), 19. doi: 10.1186/s12963-021-00250-7.

Abstract

Background: Nicotine vaping products (NVPs) are increasingly popular worldwide. They may provide public health benefits if used as a substitute for smoking, but may create public health harms if used as a gateway to smoking or to discourage smoking cessation. This paper presents the Smoking and Vaping Model (SAVM), a user-friendly model which estimates the public health implications of NVPs in the USA.

Methods: SAVM adopts a cohort approach. We derive public health implications by comparing smoking- and NVP-attributable deaths and life-years lost under a No-NVP and an NVP Scenario. The No-NVP Scenario projects current, former, and never smoking rates via smoking initiation and cessation rates, with their respective mortality rates. The NVP Scenario allows for smoking- and NVP-specific mortality rates, switching from cigarette to NVP use, separate NVP and smoking initiation rates, and separate NVP and smoking cessation rates. After validating the model against recent US survey data, we present the base model with extensive sensitivity analyses.

Results: The SAVM projects that under current patterns of US NVP use and substitution, NVP use will translate into 1.8 million premature smoking- and vaping-attributable deaths avoided and 38.9 million life-years gained between 2013 and 2060. When the NVP relative risk is set to 5%, the results are sensitive to the level of switching and smoking cessation rates and to a lesser extent smoking initiation rates. When the NVP relative risk is raised to 40%, the public health gains in terms of averted deaths and LYL are reduced by 42% in the base case, and the results become much more sensitive to variations in the base case parameters.

Discussion: Policymakers, researchers, and other public health stakeholders can apply the SAVM to estimate the potential public health impact of NVPs in their country or region using their own data sources. In developing new simulation models involving NVPs, it will be important to conduct extensive sensitivity analysis and continually update and validate with new data.

Conclusion: The SAVM indicates the potential benefits of NVP use. However, given the uncertainty surrounding model parameters, extensive sensitivity analysis becomes particularly important.

Citation

Chung-Hall, J., Fong, G.T., Meng, G., Cummings, K.M., Hyland, A., O'Connor, R.J., Quah, A.C.K., Craig, L.V. (2021). Evaluating the impact of menthol cigarette bans on cessation and smoking behaviours in Canada: longitudinal findings from the Canadian arm of the 2016-2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys. Tobacco Control. Published online first. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056259

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the impact of menthol cigarette bans in seven Canadian provinces between 2016 and 2018.

Methods Longitudinal data from the Canadian arm of the 2016 and 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. 1098 non-menthol and 138 menthol smokers were surveyed pre-menthol and post-menthol cigarette bans. Multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between pre-post ban changes in smoking behaviour, including differences between menthol and non-menthol smokers in quit attempts and quitting.

Results At follow-up, 59.1% of pre-ban menthol smokers switched to non-menthol cigarettes; 21.5% quit smoking and 19.5% still smoked menthols, primarily purchased from First Nations reserves. Menthol smokers were more likely than non-menthol smokers to make a quit attempt (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.61, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.51), and to remain quit (aOR=2.30, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.01). Menthol smokers did not differ significantly from non-menthol smokers in quit success (aOR=1.72, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.01); however, daily menthol smokers were more likely than daily non-menthol smokers to quit (aOR=2.21, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.24), and daily menthol smokers who quit before the ban were more likely than daily non-menthol smokers to remain quit (aOR=2.81, 95% CI 1.15 to 6.85).

Conclusions Although menthol smokers were most likely to switch to non-menthol cigarettes, the menthol ban was also significantly associated with higher rates of quit attempts and quit success among menthol smokers compared with non-menthol smokers, and may have helped to prevent relapse among menthol smokers who had quit smoking before the ban. Results confirm and extend evaluation of Ontario’s menthol ban across provinces covering 83% of the Canadian population.

Related reports:

Apr 28, 2021 | Impact of Canada's Menthol Ban on Quitting: Implications for the United States | English

Apr 25, 2021 | ITC Evaluation of Canada's Menthol Ban: Infographic | English

Apr 5, 2021 | Canada's Menthol Ban Did NOT Increase Illicit Purchasing | English

Apr 5, 2021 | Impact of Canada's Menthol Ban on Quitting: Implications for California | English

Citation

Felicione, N., Fix, B., McNeill, A., Cummings, K.M., Goniewicz, M.L., Hammond, D., Borland, R., Heckman, B.W., Bansal-Travers, M., Gravely, S., Hitchman, S.C., Levy, D.T., Fong, G.T., O’Connor, R.J. (2021). Characteristics and changes over time of nicotine vaping products used by vapers in the 2016 and 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys. Tobacco Control, [Published online March 22, doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056239].

Abstract

Objectives: Regulation of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) varies between countries, impacting the availability and use of these products. This study updated the analyses of O'Connor et al on types of NVPs used and examined changes in NVP features used over 18 months in four countries with differing regulatory environments.

Design: Data are from 4,734 adult current vapers in Australia, Canada, England, and the USA from Waves 1 (2016) and 2 (2018) of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. NVP characteristics included device description, adjustable voltage, nicotine content and tank size. Longitudinal analyses (n=1,058) assessed movement towards or away from more complex/modifiable NVPs. A logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with changes in device description from 2016 to 2018.

Results: Like 2016, box-tanks were the most popular NVP (37.3%) in all four countries in 2018. Over 80% of vapers continued using the same NVP and nicotine content between waves, though movement tended towards more complex/modifiable devices (14.4% of vapers). Box-tank users, exclusive daily vapers and older vapers were most likely to continue using the same device description. Certain NVPs and features differed by country, such as higher nicotine contents in the USA (11.5% use 21+ mg/mL) and greater device stability over time in Australia (90.8% stability).

Conclusions: Most vapers continued using the same vaping device and features over 18 months. Differences in NVP types and features were observed between countries, suggesting that differing NVP regulations affect consumer choices regarding the type of vaping device to use.

Citation

Thomas, D.P., Panaretto, K.S. (2021). Predictors and reasons for quitting smoking in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, [Published online Mar 22, doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.485].

Abstract

Issue addressed: National smoking prevalence is decreasing among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In remote areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander smoking prevalence remains higher than in nonremote areas and is not improving.

Methods: We analysed data from 539 daily and weekly smokers from remote areas who completed baseline surveys at either Wave 1 (April 2012-October 2013) or Wave 2 (August 2013-August 2014), including 157 from Wave 1 who also completed Wave 2, from the Talking About The Smokes project. We assessed associations between baseline predictor measures and having made any quit attempt in the past year and, among those who did, having sustained the last quit attempt for one month or more.

Results: More smokers had made a quit attempt if they were younger or reported being unable to buy essentials due to money spent on smokes, being more stressed, having several pro-quitting motivations and attitudes, having an effective smoke-free home, or being encouraged to quit by a health professional or by family/friends. Of these, more had sustained their last quit attempt for one month or more if they reported being more socially advantaged, no smoking-induced deprivation, being less dependent, chewing pituri or an having effective smoke-free home.

Conclusions: Health staff should consider the quite different factors associated with starting and then sustaining a quit attempt.

Citation

Nogueira, S.O., Driezen, P., Fu, M., Tigova, O., Castellano, Y., Kyriakos, C.N., Zatoński, M., Mons, U., Quah, A.C.K., Demjén, T., Trofor, A.C., Przewoźniak, K., Katsaounou, P.A., Fong, G.T., Vardavas, C.I., Fernández, E. (2021). Beyond the European Union Tobacco Products Directive: Smokers’ and recent quitters’ support for further tobacco control measures (2016-2018). Tobacco Control, [Published online March 16, doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056177].

Abstract

Background: Several measures recommended by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control have not been implemented in the European Union, despite changes in the legislation such as the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This study aims to understand smokers' and recent quitters' levels of support for tobacco control measures that go beyond the TPD during and after its implementation.

Methods: Data from wave 1 (2016, n=6011) and wave 2 (2018, n=6027) of the EUREST-PLUS International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project Six European Countries Survey, a cohort of adult smokers in Germany, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Spain were used to estimate the level of support for seven different tobacco control measures, overall and by country.

Results: In 2018, the highest support was for implementing measures to further regulate tobacco products (50.5%) and for holding tobacco companies accountable for the harm caused by smoking (48.8%). Additionally, in 2018, 40% of smokers and recent quitters supported a total ban on cigarettes and other tobacco products within ten years, if assistance to quit smoking is provided. Overall, support for tobacco control measures among smokers and recent quitters after the implementation of the TPD remained stable over time.

Conclusion: There is considerable support among smokers and recent quitters for tobacco control measures that go beyond the current measures implemented. A significant percentage of smokers would support a ban on tobacco products in the future if the government provided assistance to quit smoking. This highlights the importance of implementing measures to increase smoking cessation in conjunction with other policies.

Citation

Tercyak, K.P., Phan, L., Gallegos-Carrillo, K., Mays, D., Audrain-McGovern, J., Tehberg, K., Li, Y., Cartujano-Barrera, F., Cupertino, A.P. (2021). Prevalence and correlates of lifetime e-cigarette use among adolescents attending public school in a low income community in the US. Addictive Behaviours, 114, 106738.

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of e-cigarette use among US adolescents is increasing. However, there is limited research on the prevalence and correlates of e-cigarette use among adolescents in low income and under resourced communities. We report on their e-cigarette susceptibility and use behaviors, and perceived risks of harm and addiction.

Methods: Students in grades 7, 9, and 11 from a Title I school district in the northeastern US completed an online survey during a class period. Lifetime e-cigarette use and its correlates were tested in bivariate and logistic regression models.

Results: Most students were of Latino ethnicity (66%), and 36% identified as Black/African American. Overall, 55% of the full sample were considered 'susceptible' to e-cigarette use: 19% were lifetime e-cigarette users while 6% were lifetime smokers. Students in 11th grade were more likely (OR = 2.5) to have ever used e-cigarettes compared to students in 7th grade. Those that were more curious (OR = 11.8), intended to use e-cigarettes in the next 12 months (OR = 2.8), and would use the product if it was offered by a friend (OR = 2.4) had greater odds of lifetime e-cigarette use. By contrast, students who perceived at least moderate risks of health harm (OR = 0.44) were less likely to have used e-cigarettes.

Conclusions: Adolescents from marginalized communities are susceptible to and are using e-cigarettes. Prevention efforts targeting underserved areas may benefit from e-cigarette health education messages that reduce curiosity, interrupt social aspects of initiation, and emphasize health harms.

Citation

Freitas Lemos, R, Stein, J.S., Pope, D.A., Brown, J., Feinstein, M, Stamborski, KM, Tegge, A.N., Heckman, B.W., Bickel, W.K. (2021). E-liquid purchase as a function of workplace restriction in the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, [Published online February 25, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pha0000444].

Abstract

E-cigarette use is prohibited in most smoke-free environments. The effect of this policy on tobacco consumption could be examined using the Experimental Tobacco Marketplace (ETM). The ETM allows observation of policy on smokers’ purchasing behavior under conditions that simulate “real-world” circumstances. A within-subject design was used to evaluate the effect of workplace policy (Vaping Allowed vs. Not Allowed) and nicotine concentration (24 mg/mL vs. 0 mg/mL) on tobacco product consumption. Participants (n = 31) completed one sampling and two ETM/workplace sessions per week for 2 weeks. During the sampling session, participants were given an e-cigarette with a 2-day supply of a commercially available e-liquid of their preferred flavor. Before purchasing, participants were informed whether e-cigarette use was permitted. During the four ETM sessions, participants purchased for the following 24 hr, including the 4-hr work shift that started immediately after buying products in the ETM. The workplace session consisted of data entry tasks in a mock office environment. Participants could use any purchased tobacco products during two 15-min breaks. Condition order was counterbalanced. The results show that permitting E-cigarette use in the workplace increased e-liquid purchase on average, but nicotine concentration had no effect on e-liquid demand. Cigarette demand was unaltered across conditions. The present study suggests that allowing e-cigarette use in the workplace would increase demand for e-liquid regardless of nicotine strength. However, it would not change conventional cigarette demand.

Citation

Levy, D., Cummings, K.M., Heckman, B.W., Li, Y., Yuan, Z., Smith, T., Meza, R. (2021). The public health gains had cigarette companies chosen to sell very low nicotine cigarettes. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 23(3), 438-446

Abstract

Introduction: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed lowering the nicotine content of cigarettes to a minimally addictive level to increase smoking cessation and reduce initiation. This study has two aims: (1) to determine when cigarette manufacturers had the technical capability to reduce cigarette nicotine content and (2) to estimate the lost public health benefits of implementing a standard in 1965, 1975, or 1985.

Methods: To determine the technical capability of cigarette companies, we reviewed public patents and internal cigarette company business records using the Truth Tobacco Industry Documents. To evaluate the impact of a very low nicotine content cigarette (VLNC) standard on smoking attributable deaths (SADs) and life-years lost (LYLs), we applied a validated (CISNET) model that uses past smoking data, along with estimates of the potential impact of VLNCs derived from expert elicitation.

Results: Cigarette manufacturers recognized that cigarettes were deadly and addictive before 1964. Manufacturers have had the technical capability to lower cigarette nicotine content for decades. Our model projected that a standard implemented in 1965 could have averted 21 million SADs (54% reduction) and 272 million LYLs (64% reduction) from 1965 to 2064, a standard implemented in 1975 could have averted 18.9 million SADs and 245.4 million LYLs from 1975 to 2074, and a standard implemented in 1985 could have averted 16.3 million SADs and 211.5 million LYLs from 1985 to 2084.

Conclusions: Millions of premature deaths could have been averted if companies had only sold VLNCs decades ago. FDA should act immediately to implement a VLNC standard.

Implications: Prior research has shown that a mandated reduction in the nicotine content of cigarettes could reduce the prevalence of smoking and improve public health. Here we report that cigarette manufacturers have had the ability to voluntarily implement such a standard for decades. We use a well-validated model to demonstrate that millions of smoking attributable deaths and life-years lost would have been averted if the industry had implemented such a standard.

Citation

Hammond, D., Wadsworth, E., Reid, J., Burkhalter, R. (2021). Prevalence and modes of cannabis use among youth in Canada, England, and the US, 2017 to 2019. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 219, 108505.

Abstract

Objective: Cannabis markets are evolving in terms of greater diversity and potency of products. The current study examined changes in cannabis use and modes of consumption among 16- to 19-year-olds in three markets with different regulatory frameworks: England, Canada, and the United States (US).

Methods: Repeat cross-sectional online surveys were conducted in 2017, 2018, and 2019, with samples of 16- to 19-year-olds recruited from commercial panels in Canada (n = 11,779), England (n = 11,117), and the US (n = 11,869). Regression models examined changes in the prevalence of any cannabis use and use of seven modes of consumption, across the countries.

Results: Cannabis use among youth was more prevalent among respondents in Canada and the US than in England in all years and increased to a greater extent between 2017 and 2019 (p < .001 for all contrasts). Among past 30-day cannabis consumers, the prevalence of vaping oils/liquids and the use of cannabis extracts (oil, wax and shatter) increased in all countries, and was significantly higher in Canada and US. For example, the prevalence of vaping oils/liquids increased from 24.2 % in 2017 to 52.1 % in 2019 among past 30-day cannabis consumers in the US (AOR = 3.46, 95 %CI = 2.57-4.66).

Conclusion: Prevalence is increasing for the most potent categories of cannabis products, particularly among youth in Canada and the US. Future research should examine the potential risks of these products and whether shifts in modes of cannabis reflect recent permissive changes to cannabis policy.

Citation

Hammond, D., Reid, J., Rynard, V.L., O’Connor, R.J., Goniewicz, M., McNeill, A., Piper, M.E., Bansal-Travers, M. (2021). Indicators of dependence and efforts to quit vaping and smoking among youth in Canada, England, and the United States. Tobacco Control, [Published online February 1, doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056269].

Abstract

Objective: The current study examined indicators of dependence among youth cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users in Canada, England and the USA, including changes between 2017 and 2019.

Methods: Data are from repeated cross-sectional online surveys conducted in 2017, 2018 and 2019 with national samples of youth aged 16-19 years, in Canada (n=12 018), England (n=11 362) and the USA (n=12 110). Measures included perceived addiction to cigarettes/e-cigarettes, frequency of experiencing strong urges to smoke/use an e-cigarette, plans to quit smoking/using e-cigarettes and past attempts to quit. Logistic regression models were fitted to examine differences between countries and changes over time.

Results: The proportion of ever-users who vaped frequently was significantly higher in 2019 compared with 2017 for all outcomes in each country. Between 2017 and 2019, the proportion of past 30-day vapers reporting strong urges to vape on most days or more often increased in each country (Canada: 35.3%, adjusted OR (AOR) 1.69, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.38; England: 32.8%, AOR 1.55, 1.08 to 2.23; USA: 46.1%, AOR 1.88, 1.41 to 2.50), along with perceptions of being 'a little' or 'very addicted' to e-cigarettes (Canada: 48.3%, AOR 1.99, 1.44 to 2.75; England: 40.1%, AOR 1.44, 1.03 to 2.01; USA: 53.1%, AOR 1.99, 1.50 to 2.63). Indicators of dependence among smokers were consistently greater than e-cigarette users, although differences had narrowed by 2019, particularly in Canada and the USA.

Conclusions: Prevalence of dependence symptoms among young e-cigarette users increased between 2017 and 2019, more so in Canada and the USA compared with England. Dependence symptom prevalence was lower for e-cigarettes than smoking; however, the gap has narrowed over time.

Citation

Le Grande, M., Borland, R., Yong, H.H., Cummings, K.M., McNeill, A., Thompson, M.E., Fong, G.T. (2021). Predictive power of dependence measures for quitting smoking: Findings from the 2016-2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 23(2), 276-285.

Abstract

Objective: To test whether urges to smoke and perceived addiction to smoking, have independent predictive value for quit attempts and short-term quit success over and above the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI). Methods: Data were from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Wave 1 (2016) and Wave 2 (2018) surveys. 3661 daily smokers (daily vapers excluded) provided data in both waves. A series of multivariable logistic regression models assessed the association of each dependence measure on odds of making a quit attempt and ≥1 month smoking abstinence.

Results: Of the 3661 participants, 1594 (43.5%) reported a quit attempt. Of those who reported a quit attempt, 546 (34.9%) reported short-term quit success. Fully adjusted models showed that making quit attempts was associated with lower HSI [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.73-0.90, P < 0.001), stronger urges to smoke (aOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04-1.20, P = 0.002), and higher perceived addiction to smoking (aOR =0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.84, P =0.008). Lower HSI (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.40–0.87, P < 0.001) weaker urges to smoke (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.76–0.95, P = 0.006), and lower perceived addiction to smoking (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI =0.32-0.91, P = 0.021) were associated with greater odds of short-term quit success. In both cases overall R2 was around 0.5.

Conclusions: The two additional dependence measures were complementary to HSI adding explanatory power to smoking cessation models, but variance explained remains small.

Implications: Strength of urges to smoke and perceived addiction to smoking may significantly improve prediction of cessation attempts and short-term quit success over and above routinely assessed demographic variables and the HSI. Stratification of analyses by age group is recommended since the relationship between dependence measures and outcomes differ significantly for younger (age 18-39) compared to older (age over 40) participants. Even with the addition of these extra measures of dependence, the overall variance explained in predicting smoking cessation outcomes remains very low. These measures can only be thought of as assessing some aspects of dependence. Current understanding of the factors that ultimately determine quit success remains limited.

Abstract

Introduction: Smokeless tobacco (ST) is the predominant form of tobacco used in Bangladesh and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Bangladesh ratified the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2004. There are concerns that FCTC legislation and implementation of ST control policy is insufficient in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to investigate the achievements and challenges of ST policy in Bangladesh and its alignment with the FCTC.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured key informant interviews with 20 stakeholders from government and non-government offices and international funding agencies, including tobacco control advocates, policy makers and non-governmental organisation workers. We used NVivo software to create key themes and the framework method for thematic analysis.

Results: Our findings revealed a lack of national policy in terms of disclosure of harmful contents, illicit trade and standardised packaging of ST. Legislation remains ineffective in relation to graphical health warnings and tax measures. Challenges to ST control identified included inadequate law enforcement; paucity of research, surveillance, and evidence generation; and supply chain control. We identified lack of congruence of ST policies with FCTC due to slow progress in implementation of FCTC measures, lack of a country-specific policy and industry interference. To comply with FCTC, participants recommended strong leadership and political commitment, co-ordination between public and private sectors and proper use of tobacco control resources.

Discussion and conclusions: Bangladesh has adopted several important FCTC

Citation

East, K., Hitchman, S.C., McNeill, A., Ferguson, S., Yong, H.H., Cummings, K.M., Fong, G.T., Borland, R. (2021). Trends in social norms towards smoking between 2002 and 2015 among daily smokers: Findings from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey (ITC 4C). Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 23(1), 203-211. doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntz179

Abstract

Objective: To assess trends in daily smokers’ social norms and opinions of smoking between 2002 and 2015 in Canada, US, UK and Australia.

Method: Data were from Waves-1 (2002) to -9 (2013-2015) of the longitudinal International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey (Canada, US, UK, Australia), involving 23,831 adult daily smokers. Generalised estimating equation logistic regression models, adjusted for demographics and survey design effects, assessed associations of Wave and country with outcomes: (i) over half of five closest friends smoke, (ii) agreeing that people important to you believe you should not smoke, (iii) agreeing that society disapproves of smoking, and (iv) negative opinion of smoking.

Results: Between 2002 and 2015, adjusting for covariates, (i) over half of five closest friends smoke did not change (56% vs. 55%; Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=0.95[95% Confidence Interval=0.85-1.07]), (ii) agreeing that people important to you believe you should not smoke generally decreased (89% vs. 82%; AOR=0.54[0.46-0.64]) despite an increase around 2006-2007, (iii) agreeing that society disapproves of smoking increased between 2002 and 2006-2007 (83% vs. 87%; AOR=1.38[1.24-1.54]) then decreased until 2013-2015 (78%; AOR=0.74[0.63-0.88]), and (iv) negative opinion of smoking decreased between 2002 and 2010-2011 (54% vs. 49%; AOR=0.83[0.75-0.91]) despite an increase around 2005-2006 and at the final Wave (2013-2015). Except friend smoking, Canada had the greatest, and UK the lowest, anti-smoking social norms and opinions.

Conclusions: Except friend smoking and opinion of smoking, daily smokers’ social norms became less anti-smoking between 2002 and 2015 despite increases around 2006-2007. Several potential explanations are discussed yet remain undetermined.

Implications: Increasingly comprehensive tobacco control policies alongside decreasing smoking prevalence in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia have led to the assumption that smoking has become increasingly denormalised in these countries. Absent from the literature is any formal assessment of social norms towards smoking over time. Contrary to our hypotheses, this study found that the injunctive social norms of daily smokers became less anti-smoking between 2002 and 2015, despite increases around 2006-2007. There was no change over time in the proportion of daily smokers who report that over half of their five closest friends smoke.

Citation

Callaghan, L., Yong, H., Borland, R., Cummings, K.M., Hitchman, S., Fong, G.T. (2021). What kind of smoking identity following quitting would elevate smokers relapse risk? Addictive Behaviors, 112(2021), 106654.

Abstract

Background: Research has suggested that smokers who quit smoking and continue to identify themselves as a smoker versus a non-smoker are at greater risk of relapse. This study examines the relationship between post-quit smoker identities and relapse risk of former smokers in Australia and the UK comparing those who still identified as a smoker with firm choice to no longer smoke versus those not expressing a firm choice. Cross-country differences were examined.

Methods: Data analysed came from 544 former smokers (quit 1 month or more) who participated in the Australian and UK Waves 9 (2013) and 10 (2014) of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) surveys. Post-quit smoker identities were assessed at baseline and smoking relapse at follow-up.

Results: Baseline self-reported smoker identity independently predicted smoking relapse at 12-month follow-up (p < .01). Compared with the subgroup who identified themselves as smokers trying to quit, those who identified themselves as smokers who had chosen to no longer smoke (OR = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.01-0.25, p < .001), ex-smokers (OR = 0.05, CI = 0.01-0.25, p < .001) or non-smokers (OR = 0.07, CI = 0.02-0.37, p < .001) were less likely to relapse at follow-up. No cross-country differences were found.

Conclusions: Following quitting, smokers who maintained a smoker identity with a firm choice to no longer smoke or adopted a non-smoker or ex-smoker identity were less likely to relapse than those who failed to do so, suggesting that a clear rule/commitment to not smoke and/or a shift to a non-smoking identity may be protective of relapse.

Citation

Cheng, K.-W., Shang, C., Lee, H.M., Chaloupka, F.J., Fong, G.T., Borland, R., Heckman, B.W., Hithchman, S.C., O’Connor, R.J., Levy, D.T., Cummings, K.M. (2021). Costs of vaping: Evidence from ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. Tobacco Control, 30, 94-97.

Abstract

Study objectives: To compare the prices paid for nicotine vaping products (NVPs) and supplies among current NVP users to prices paid for cigarettes among current smokers.

Data: The 2016 International Tobacco Control Four Country Vaping and Smoking Survey (4CV1). Key measures included: (1) self-reported prices paid for reusable NVPs (eg, rechargeable devices with cartridges and tank system devices with e-liquids) in the 3-month period prior to the survey among current NVP users, (2) prices paid for disposable NVPs, cartridges and e-liquids purchased in the last 30 days among current NVP users and (3) self-reported prices paid for cigarettes among current smokers.

Results: Disposable NVP price was higher than the price of a comparable unit for combustible cigarettes in England (EN), USA and Canada (CA). Prefilled cartridge price was higher than the price of a comparable unit of cigarettes in USA and CA, but lower in EN and Australia. E-liquid price was consistently lower than the price of a comparable unit of cigarettes across four countries. For start-up costs, price of a rechargeable device is approximately 3–5 times higher than a pack of cigarettes in four countries.

Conclusion: NVP prices were generally higher than prices of combustible cigarettes, especially the high upfront NVP devices. The high upfront costs of purchasing a reusable NVP may discourage some smokers from switching to vaping. However, the average lower costs of cartridges and e-liquids relative to a package of cigarettes make switching to a NVP an attractive alternative to smoking in the long term so long as smokers switch completely to vaping.

Citation

Yong, H.H., Karmakar, C., Kusmakar, S., Borland, R., Cummings, K.M., Fong, G.T., McNeill, A. (2021). Identifying factors that conjointly influence nicotine vaping product relative harm perception among smokers and recent ex-smokers: Findings from the 2016 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 218, 108370.

Abstract

Background: Use of nicotine vaping products (NVPs) to replace smoking is often influenced by perceived harmfulness of these products relative to smoking. This study aimed to identify factors that conjointly influenced NVP relative harm perception among smokers and ex-smokers.

Methods: Data (n = 11,838) from adult smokers and ex-smokers (quit < 2 years) who participated in the 2016 ITC 4 Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys in Australia, Canada, England and the US were analyzed. Decision tree models were used to classify respondents into those who perceived vaping as less harmful than smoking (correct perception) versus otherwise (incorrect perception) based on their socio-demographic, smoking and vaping related variables.

Results: Decision tree analysis identified nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) harmfulness perceptions relative to smoking, perceived vaping portrayal in the media and other sources as positive, negative or balanced, recency of seeking online vaping information, and age as the key variables that interacted conjointly to classify respondents into those with correct versus incorrect harm perceptions of vaping relative to smoking (model performance accuracy = 0.70-0.74). In all countries, NRT relative harmfulness perception and vaping portrayal perception were consistently the two most important classifying variables, with other variables showing some country differences.

Conclusions: In all four countries, perception of NVP relative harmfulness among smokers and recent ex-smokers is strongly influenced by a combination of NRT relative harmfulness perception and vaping portrayal in the media and other sources. These conjoint factors can serve as useful markers for identifying subgroups more vulnerable to misperception about NVP relative harmfulness to benefit from corrective intervention.

Citation

Levy, D. T., Sweanor, D., Sanchez-Romero, L. M., O'Connor, R., Goniewicz, M. L., & Borland, R. (2020). Altria-Juul Labs deal: why did it occur and what does it mean for the US nicotine delivery product market. Tobacco control, 29(e1), e171-e174.

Citation

Meza, R., Jimenez-Mendoza, E, Levy, D. (2020). Trends in tobacco use among adolescents by grade, sex and race, 1991-2019. JAMA Network Open, 3(12), e2027465.

Abstract

Importance Use of e-cigarettes increased among adolescents between 2011 and 2019. However, whether these changes are affecting patterns of use of other tobacco products, especially cigarettes, remains unclear.

Objective To examine the long-term and recent trends in cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco product use among US adolescents by grade (8th, 10th, and 12th), sex (male and female), and race (White and Black).

Design, Setting, and Participants In this cross-sectional study, joinpoint regression analyses were performed to characterize trends in tobacco product use for key sociodemographic groups, identifying change of trend years (joinpoints). Students in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades at US secondary schools and high schools who participated in the nationally representative Monitoring the Future survey from January 7, 1991, to June 3, 2019, were evaluated.

Exposures Cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco product use during the past 30 days.

Main Outcomes and Measures Past 30-day and daily prevalence of cigarette smoking and smokeless tobacco product use by year, grade, sex, and race. The prevalence trend segments, change of trend years (joinpoints), and annual percentage change (APC) in prevalence within each trend segment were estimated using joinpoint regression.

Results Since 1991, 487 335 8th-grade, 447 310 10th-grade, and 424 236 12th-grade students have completed the Monitoring the Future survey (including 663 663 girls and 632 698 boys [those who did not respond to the sex question in the survey were excluded from the sex analyses]). Past 30-day and daily smoking prevalence increased in all groups analyzed from 1991 until 1996 and 1997 and has been decreasing ever since, with more rapid reductions in recent years. For example, daily smoking among 12th-grade boys increased at an APC of 4.9% (95% CI, 3.5%-6.3%) from 1991 to 1998, decreased at an APC of −8.0% (95% CI, –9.3% to –6.7%) from 1998 to 2006, decreased at an APC of −1.6% (95% CI, –4.6% to 1.5%) from 2006 to 2012, and decreased at an APC of −17.4% (95% CI, –19.4% to –15.4%) from 2012 to 2019. Similar results were observed for boys in the 8th grade (5.0% [95% CI, 0.1%-10.2%] for 1991-1996, –8.8% [95% CI, –10.0% to –7.6%] for 1996-2011, and –17.3% [95% CI, –22.2% to –12.0%] for 2011-2019) and 10th grade (7.1% [95% CI, 3.7%-10.7%] for 1991-1997, –11.1% [95% CI, –13.9% to –8.2%] for 1997-2005,–0.7% [95% CI, –5.9% to 4.9%] for 2005-2011, and −17.9 [95%, –21.7% to –13.9%] for 2011-2019), for girls in 8th grade (10.9% [95% CI, 5.0%-17.2%] for 1991-1996 and –10.8% [95% CI, –11.7% to –10.0% for 1996-2019), 10th grade (7.2% [95% CI, 3.9%-10.7%] for 1991-1997, –9.5% [95% CI, –10.5% to –8.6%] for 1997-2012, and –16.3% [95% CI, –21.8% to –10.4%] for 2012-2019), and 12th grade (6.5% [95% CI, 3.6%-9.5%] for 1991-1997, –7.2% [95% CI, –8.1% to –6.3%] for 1997-2012, and –17.5% [95% CI, –21.2% to –13.6%] for 2012-2019). Results were similar, too, for Black adolescents (2015-2019 average annual percentage change: –8.6% [95% CI, –10.3% to –6.8%] for 8th graders; –17.7% [95% CI, –26.3% to –8.2%] for 10th graders; and –18.3% [95% CI, –23.9% to –12.2%] for 12th graders) and White adolescents (2015-2019 average annual percentage change: –17.3% [95% CI, –20.6% to –13.7%] for 8th graders; –16.9% [95% CI, –20.5% to –13.2%] for 10th graders; and –17.0% [95% CI, –20.5% to –13.2%] for 12th graders). Smokeless tobacco was used more variably through 2012, followed by consistent decreases in the past 5 years. For instance, smokeless tobacco use in the past 30 days in 10th-grade boys decreased at an APC of –6.5% (95% CI, –7.5% to –5.4%) from 1991 to 2004, increased at an APC of 3.1% (95% CI, –0.8% to 7.1%) from 2004 to 2012, and decreased at an APC of –11.6% (95% CI, –15.7% to –7.4%) from 2012 to 2019. Similarly, daily smokeless tobacco use in 12th-grade boys decreased at an APC of –3.8% (95% CI, –5.4% to –2.1%) from 1992 to 2005, increased at an APC of 3.1% (95% CI, –0.2% to 6.5%) from 2005 to 2015, and decreased at an APC of –23.0% (95% CI, –33.3% to –11.0%) from 2015 to 2019.

Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study suggests that, despite the increase in the prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents between 2011 and 2019, the prevalence of cigarette and smokeless tobacco use has decreased more rapidly during the same period compared with earlier years.

Citation

Driezen, P., Fong, G.T., Hyland, A., Craig, L., Sansone, G., Hitchman, S.C., Cummings, K.M. (2020). Self-reported exposure to secondhand smoke and support for complete smoking bans in multiunit housing among smokers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Preventing Chronic Disease, 17, E147

Abstract

Introduction

Involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke most frequently occurs at home, which is problematic for residents of multiunit housing (MUH). The primary objective of this study was to estimate the extent of secondhand smoke incursions into the homes of MUH smokers who banned smoking in their homes but lived in buildings where smoking is allowed.

Methods

We used data from Wave 9 of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey. We estimated 1) the prevalence of complete smoking bans among smokers living in single-family homes vs MUH in the United States (n = 3,208), Canada (n = 1,592), and the United Kingdom (n = 1,403) from 2013 to 2015; 2) the extent of secondhand smoke incursions into the homes of MUH smokers who banned smoking in their units but lived in buildings that allow smoking; and 3) MUH smokers’ preferences for complete smoking bans in MUH. Weighted multivariable logistic regression estimated the country-specific adjusted prevalence of all outcomes.

Results

Overall, 53.0% of smokers living in single-family homes completely banned smoking in their homes, compared with 44.8% of smokers in MUH. Across all 3 countries, only 27.8% of MUH smokers reported that smoking was completely prohibited in their building. A similar percentage of MUH smokers who banned smoking in their home but lived in buildings allowing smoking reported a secondhand smoke incursion into their home in the United States (29.9%; 95% CI, 20.4%–41.5%), Canada (38.4%; 95% CI, 26.7%–51.6%), and the United Kingdom (24.7%; 95% CI, 15.7%–36.7%). Across all 3 countries, 36.1% (95% CI, 33.4%–38.9%) of smokers in MUH reported they preferred a complete smoking ban in all building areas.

Conclusion

A need remains to educate MUH operators and residents about the benefits of comprehensive smoke-free policies.

Citation

Craig, L., Yoshimi, I., Fong, G.T., Meng, G., Yan, M., Mochizuki, Y., Tabuchi, T., Thrasher, J.F., Xu, S.S., Quah, A.C.K., Ouimet, J., Sansone, G., Chung-Hall, J. (2020). Awareness of marketing of heated tobacco products and cigarettes and support for tobacco marketing restrictions in Japan: Findings from the 2018 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Japan Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(22), 8418.

Abstract

Japan is one of the world's largest cigarette markets and the top heated tobacco product (HTP) market. No forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) are banned under national law, although the industry has some voluntary TAPS restrictions. This study examines Japanese tobacco users' self-reported exposure to cigarette and HTP marketing through eight channels, as well as their support for TAPS bans. Data are from the 2018 ITC Japan Survey, a cohort survey of adult exclusive cigarette smokers (n = 3288), exclusive HTP users (n = 164), HTP-cigarette dual users (n = 549), and non-users (n = 614). Measures of overall average exposure to the eight channels of cigarette and HTP advertising were constructed to examine differences in exposure across user groups and products. Dual users reported the highest exposure to cigarette and HTP advertising. Tobacco users (those who used cigarettes, HTPs, or both) reported higher average exposure to HTP compared to cigarette advertising, however non-users reported higher average exposure to cigarette compared to HTP advertising. Retail stores where tobacco or HTPs are sold were the most prevalent channel for HTP and cigarette advertising, reported by 30-43% of non-users to 66-71% of dual users. Non-users reported similar exposure to cigarette advertising via television and newspapers/magazines as cigarette smokers and dual users; however, advertising via websites/social media was lower among non-users and HTP users than among cigarette smokers and dual users (p < 0.05). Most respondents supported a ban on cigarette (54%) and HTP (60%) product displays in stores, and cigarette advertising in stores (58%).

Citation

Cummings, K.M., Ballin, S., Sweanor, D. (2020). The past is not the future in tobacco control. Preventive Medicine, [Published online, doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106183].

Abstract

In this paper we have attempted to identify missed opportunities to change the trajectory of smoking and smoking caused diseases in America over the past 100 years. Many of the missed opportunities identified are due to the actions of cigarette manufacturers who misled the public about the dangers of cigarette smoking, the addictiveness of nicotine, and the feasibility of providing lower risk alternative nicotine delivery products to addicted smokers. An important lesson learned from the past is that treating all tobacco/nicotine products as equivalently harmful is counterproductive to public health as it only serves to protect the most lethal nicotine product - cigarettes. Since 2000, the evolving marketplace of lower risk nicotine products combined with regulatory authority over tobacco products represents a new opportunity to dramatically transform the cigarette business in ways that were never imagined when the war on tobacco was raging decades ago. However, this requires embracing risk-proportionate regulation, taxation policies, and providing consumers with accurate public messaging on product relative risks. A regulatory framework based on sound science that encourages and rewards new or existing manufacturers to invest in consumer acceptable lower risk products to replace cigarettes needs to be encouraged. The past is indeed not the future in smoking control, but it may be difficult to escape the past unless a realignment of market forces and policies can be achieved.

Citation

Xu, S.S., Meng, G., Yan, M., Gravely, S., Quah, A.C.K., Ouimet, J., O’Connor, R.J., Sutanto, E., Yoshimi, I., Mochizuki, Y., Tabuchi, T., Fong, G.T. (2020). Reasons for regularly using heated tobacco products among adults current and former smokers in Japan: Findings from 2018 ITC Japan Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), 8030.

Abstract

The market growth of heated tobacco products (HTPs), such as IQOS, Ploom TECH, and glo, has increased dramatically in Japan since 2016. Little is known about the reasons why current and former smokers are using HTPs. The data for this cross-sectional study were from the 2018 (Wave 1) International Tobacco Control (ITC) Japan Survey, a national web-based survey of 4500 people, including 658 current HTP users, of whom 549 were concurrently smoking cigarettes and 109 were former smokers. The most common reasons for regularly using HTPs were: beliefs that HTP are less harmful than cigarettes to themselves (90.6%) or to others (86.7%), enjoyment (76.5%), and social acceptability (74.4%). About half of current smokers (55.1%) reported using HTPs because these products might help them quit smoking. However, a near-equal percentage (52.0%) of current smokers reported using HTPs to replace some of the cigarettes they smoked so that they did not have to give up smoking altogether. If smokers are using HTPs to complement rather than quit their smoking, then the harm reduction potential of HTPs suggested by the toxicity studies will be diminished.

Citation

Taylor, E., East, K., McNeill, A., Cummings, K.M., Thrasher, J.F., Fong, G.T., Quah, A.C.K., McDermott, M., Li, G., Borland, R., Hammond, D., Aleyan, S., Hitchman, S.C. (2020). Changes in responses to nicotine vaping product warnings and leaflets in England compared with Canada, the US, and Australia: Findings from the 2016-2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys. Tobacco Control, [Published online, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-055739].

Abstract

Background and aims:

In May 2017, black-and-white text nicotine addiction warning labels ('warnings') and health and safety leaflets ('leaflets') became mandatory for nicotine vaping products (NVPs) in England, in accordance with the European Union's Tobacco Products Directive. We compared changes over time in noticing warnings and leaflets, recall of warnings about nicotine and concerns about using NVP due to noticing warnings in England, compared with Canada, the US and Australia, where no warnings and leaflets were mandated.

Design:

19005 adult (aged 18+) NVP users, smokers and quitters of cigarettes and NVP from the 2016 and 2018 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys in England, Canada, the US and Australia, recruited via probability and non-probability sampling.

Findings:

Noticing warnings increased in England from 4.9% (2016) to 9.4% (2018) (adjusted OR/AOR=1.64, 95% CI=1.15-2.36); this change was larger than changes in Canada (AOR=2.51, 95% CI=1.71-3.69) and the US (AOR=2.22, 95% CI=1.45-3.39). Recall of a nicotine warning increased in England from 86% (2016) to 94.9% (2018) (AOR=5.50, 95% CI=1.57-19.27) but not significantly elsewhere. Noticing leaflets increased in England from 14.6% (2016) to 19.1% (2018) (AOR=1.42, 95% CI=1.15-1.74); this change was larger than in Canada (AOR=1.42, 95% CI=1.12-1.79), the US (AOR=1.55, 95% CI=1.17-2.06) and Australia (AOR=1.51, 95% CI=1.02-2.22). Among those noticing warnings, concern about NVP use did not change significantly between 2016 and 2018 (all countries p>0.081).

Conclusions:

Introduction of mandatory NVP warnings and leaflets in England was associated with small increases in noticing them but not with changes in concerns about NVP use.

Citation

White, M., Edwards, R., Stanley, J., Hoek, J., Waa, A. M., Ouimet, J., Quah, A. CK., & Fong, G. T. (2020). Reasons for stopping e-cigarette use among smokers: findings from the 2018 ITC New Zealand Survey. The New Zealand Medical Journal (Online), 133(1523), 117-121.

No abstract available.

Citation

Gravely, S., Cummings, K.M., Hammond, D., Lindblom, E., Smith, D.M., Martin, N., Loewen, R., Borland, R., Hyland, A., Thompson, M.E., Boudreau, C., Kasza, K.A., Ouimet, J., Quah, A.C.K., O’Connor, R.J., Fong, G.T. (2020). The association of e-cigarette flavors with satisfaction, enjoyment, and trying to quit or stay abstinent from smoking among regular adult vapers from Canada and the United States: Findings from the 2018 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. Nicotine and Tobacco Research, 22(10), 1831-1841.

Abstract

Introduction: This study examined whether non-tobacco flavors are more commonly used by vapers (ecigarette users) compared to tobacco flavor, described which flavors are most popular, and tested whether flavors are associated with: vaping satisfaction relative to smoking, level of enjoyment with vaping, reasons for using e-cigarettes, and making an attempt to quit smoking by smokers.

Methods: This cross sectional study included 1,603 adults from Canada and the US who vaped at least weekly, and were either current smokers (concurrent users) or former smokers (exclusive vapers). Respondents were categorized into one of seven flavors they used most in the last month: tobacco, tobacco-menthol, unflavored, or one of the non-tobacco flavors: menthol/mint, fruit, candy, or ‘other’ (e.g. Coffee).

Results: Vapers use a wide range of flavors, with 63.1% using a non-tobacco flavor. The most common flavor categories were fruit (29.4%) and tobacco (28.7%), followed by mint/menthol (14.4%) and candy (13.5%). Vapers using candy (41.0%, p<0.0001) or fruit flavors (26.0%, p=0.01) found vaping more satisfying (compared to smoking) than vapers using tobacco flavor (15.5%) and rated vaping as very/extremely enjoyable (fruit: 50.9%; candy: 60.9%) than those using tobacco flavor (39.4%). Among concurrent users, those using fruit (74.6%, p=0.04) or candy flavors (81.1%, p=0.003) were more likely than tobacco flavor users (63.5%) to vape in order to quit smoking. Flavor category was not associated with the likelihood of a quit attempt (p=0.46). Among exclusive vapers, tobacco and non-tobacco flavors were popular; however, those using tobacco (99.0%) were more likely than those using candy (72.8%, p=0.002) or unflavored (42.5%, p=0.005) to vape in order to stay quit.

Conclusions: A majority of regular vapers in Canada and the US use non-tobacco flavors. Greater satisfaction and enjoyment with vaping is higher among fruit and candy flavor users. While it does not appear that certain flavors are associated with a greater propensity to attempt to quit smoking among concurrent users, non-tobacco flavors are popular among former smokers who are exclusively vaping. Future research should determine the likely impact of flavor bans on those who are vaping to quit smoking or to stay quit.

Implications: Recent concerns about the attractiveness of e-cigarette flavors among youth have resulted in flavor restrictions in some jurisdictions of the United States and Canada. However, little is known about

the possible consequences for current and former smokers if they no longer have access to their preferred flavors. This study shows that a variety of nontobacco flavors, especially fruit, are popular among adult vapers, particularly among those who have quit smoking and are now exclusively vaping. Limiting access to flavors may therefore reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes among adults who are trying to quit smoking or stay quit.