Recent Study Confirms That as Vaping Increases Smoking Decreases

A recent study published in Pediatrics, has indicated that between 2011 and 2018 teen cigarette smokers smoked fewer cigarettes per day and on fewer days, while e-cigarette use increased.

Diane Caruana

March 20, 2020

group of smiling teenagers showing victory sign

Extracting data from the 2011–2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS), trends in smoking frequency, intensity, age of first cigarette use, and e-cig use frequency among current smokers were analysed, conducting separate analyses for males, females, middle school, and high school students and different ethnic groups.

Between 2011 and 2018, there was a decrease in smoking among current male, female, high school, non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic smoking students.

The compiled data indicated that between 2011 and 2018, there was a decrease in smoking among current male, female, high school, non-Hispanic white, and non-Hispanic smoking students. Overall, light smoking (≤5 cigarettes per day [CPDs]) increased and moderate smoking (6–10 CPDs) decreased, while trends in light, moderate, and heavy smoking varied by demographic groups.

The age of first cigarette use increased among female, high school and non-Hispanic students and decreased among male students. Additionally, between 2014 and 2018, there was an increase in e-cigarette use frequency.

Overall positive trends in smoking behaviour

Titled, “Trends in Smoking Behaviors Among US Adolescent Cigarette Smokers”, the study found overall positive trends with regards to smoking behaviour, reporting only a worrying trend amongst male students, where an increase in smoking rates was observed.

“From 2011 to 2018, current youth cigarette smokers smoked fewer days and fewer CPDs, and age of first cigarette use increased. However, over time, male youth smoked more heavily and started smoking earlier. E-cigarette use increased from 2014 to 2018.”