Understanding Demographics Characteristics of E-Cigarette Users in California and the Need for Tailored Interventions (American Journal of Health Education)

​Summary: E-cigarette use has increased rapidly in the past decade despite studies showing their negative health outcomes. There is limited knowledge on the characteristics of users and possible interventions. This study presents the demographic characteristics of e-cigarette users in California, propose tailored interventions, and advocate for policies changes.

Authors used secondary data from the 2018 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) with 925 participants ages 18–84. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square cross-tabulations were conducted to determine if associations existed between demographics and other covariates. 

Findings: Among participants, the majority were male (67.6%) and the largest age group was 18–25-year-olds (38.9%). Many participants had some college, vocational training, or an associate degree (56.4%), never married (59.4%), and earned below 300% the federal poverty level. Reasons identified for engaging in e-cigarette consumption were to quit tobacco cigarette smoking, the perception that e-cigarettes were healthier, to reduce tobacco cigarette smoking, for social enjoyment, and to satisfy curiosity.

These findings demonstrate a difference in e-cigarette consumption depending on users’ demographic characteristics. Results support the need for tailored interventions that include school-based interventions, public education, community, provider interventions, advocacy, and policy restrictions to reduce e-cigarettes consumption.

Read the Publication:

• Journal Article: Understanding Demographics Characteristics of E-Cigarette Users in California and the Need for Tailored Interventions