Examining Adult E-cigarette Use in Kentucky and Its Appalachian Region Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2016-2017

W. Jay Christian, Nimish R. Valvi, Courtney J. Walker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased steadily in the United States, but little research has examined its prevalence in states comprising Appalachia, a rural region known for high rates of tobacco use. This study assessed lifetime and current e-cigarette use among adults by sociodemographic characteristics, geographic region, and cigarette smoking in Kentucky, with a focus on the Appalachian region. Methods: We used data from the 2016-2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveys to calculate the prevalence of lifetime and current e-cigarette use, and we used weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the relative influence of other factors. Results: Among adults in Kentucky, 5.8% (95% CI, 5.2%-6.4%) were current e-cigarette users and 27.0% (95% CI, 25.9%-28.0%) were lifetime users, compared with state medians of 4.6% (95% CI, 4.0%-5.1%) and 21.4% (95% CI, 19.4%-23.5%) for the United States. Multivariable regression models showed similar patterns for all regions: higher prevalence odds of current e-cigarette use among adults aged 18-24, current conventional smokers, and adults unable to work. Generally, Appalachian residents of Kentucky did not have significantly higher rates of lifetime or current e-cigarette use as compared with other non-Appalachian residents of Kentucky. Hispanic residents of Appalachian Kentucky, however, had higher rates of e-cigarette use than Hispanic residents of other regions of Kentucky. Conclusions: Rates of e-cigarette use were higher in Kentucky than in the United States but were not further elevated in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. High rates of e-cigarette use among Hispanic residents of Appalachia indicate a need to focus future interventions in the region.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)878-887
Number of pages10
JournalPublic Health Reports
Volume137
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.

Keywords

  • Appalachia
  • Kentucky
  • e-cigarette
  • electronic cigarette
  • tobacco

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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