Teen Vaping is a Risk Factor for Future Smoking

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Professor Richard Miech Institute for Social Research University of Michigan

Prof. Richard Miech

Professor Richard Miech
Institute for Social Research
University of Michigan

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: The main finding of this study is that teen vaping predicts future smoking.  We surveyed a nationally-representative sample of 12th graders in 2014 and then re-surveyed them a year later.  We found:

  • Among teens who had never smoked at baseline, those who vaped were more than four times more likely to have smoked a year later than those who didn’t vape
  • Among teens who were former smokers at baseline, those who vaped were more than twice as likely to have smoked a year later than those who didn’t vape
  • Among teens who were current smokers at baseline, smoking levels a the one-year followup were the same for vapers and non-vapers.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Teen vaping is a risk factor for future smoking.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: It will be important for future research to specify the links between vaping and future smoking.  How does vaping desensitize youth to the dangers of smoking?  Do teens who vape develop friendship networks with smokers?

No disclosures

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Miech R, Patrick ME, O’Malley PM, et al

E-cigarette use as a predictor of cigarette smoking: results from a 1-year follow-up of a national sample of 12th grade students

Tobacco Control Published Online First: 06 February 2017. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053291

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

More Medical Research Interviews on MedicalResearch.com

[wysija_form id=”5″]

 

 

 

Last Updated on February 8, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD