Dual use of electronic and tobacco cigarettes among adolescents: a cross-sectional study in Poland

Abstract

Objectives: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are gaining in popularity among youth. While these products may be beneficial in adult smokers, the effect on young users of electronic and tobacco cigarettes (dual users) is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of dual use among adolescents and to compare tobacco cigarette consumption among dual and exclusive tobacco cigarette users. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of a sample of 2213 Polish students aged 16–18 conducted between December 2013 and February 2014. Results: Overall, 21.8 % of students were dual users. Dual users were more likely to smoke tobacco cigarettes on a daily basis [adjusted odds ratio, AOR 3.54 (95 % CI 2.34–5.36) and less likely to smoke fewer cigarettes per day (AOR 0.27 (95 % CI 0.12–0.57)] than exclusive tobacco cigarette users. Conclusions: The frequency of dual use was higher than exclusive use of a single product among Polish adolescents. Young dual users do not smoke a lower number of tobacco cigarettes per day than exclusive tobacco cigarette users.