The Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Frequent Use of E-Cigarettes and Its Association with Substance Use and Mental Health Symptoms

Background: Although several studies examined the association between e-cigarettes, substance use, and mental health conditions, there is limited research on whether COVID-19-related stress and health outcomes, mental health symptoms, and substance use differ by the frequency of e-cigarette use during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed the association of past 30-day frequent use of e-cigarettes with alcohol, cannabis, anxiety/depression, and COVID-19 impact. Methods: We conducted a national online cross-sectional survey among a random sample of US adults aged 18 years or older (N = 5065) between 13 May 2021, and 9 January 2022. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the study aims. Results: Of the participants, 7.17% reported once to several times per month (OSTPM), 6.95% reported once to several times per week (OSTPW), and 6.57% reported every day to several times per day (ESTPD) use of e-cigarettes in the past month. Alcohol and cannabis use ESTPD and once to several times per week/month (OSTPW/M) were associated with a higher likelihood of e-cigarette use ESTPD and OSTPW/M, respectively. Anxiety/depression was associated with e-cigarette use ESTPD and OSTPW. Individuals who considered social distancing to be stressful were more likely to use e-cigarettes ESTPD and OSTPW/M compared to those that considered social distancing as not stressful. Conclusion: Individuals who engaged in the frequent use of alcohol or cannabis, had depression/anxiety, and considered social distancing to be stressful were more likely to engage in frequent e-cigarette use. Improving efforts geared toward reducing the use of substances may help decrease the health risks associated with e-cigarette use.

Automated summary

This study examined the association between the frequency of e-cigarette use during the COVID-19 pandemic and stress, health outcomes, mental health symptoms, and substance use. The results showed that individuals who frequently used e-cigarettes were more likely to engage in alcohol and cannabis use, experience anxiety/depression, and perceive social distancing as stressful. Efforts to reduce substance use may help mitigate the health risks associated with e-cigarette use.