Physical Activity and Use of Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes Among Young Adults.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nPhysical activity is known to be inversely associated with cigarette smoking among young people. However, evidence is not clear about the association between physical activity and e-cigarette use. Young people who otherwise lead a healthy lifestyle are attracted to e-cigarettes for nicotine or flavor consumption given the low harm perceptions associated with e-cigarette use. This is of concern given the potentially serious adverse health consequences of some forms of e-cigarette use. This study tested the hypotheses that increased physical activity is associated with lower levels of cigarette and e-cigarette use, both cross-sectionally and prospectively.\n\n\nMETHODS\nSelf-reported physical activity data and past-30-day cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use data were collected in 2018-2019 from 2,401 young adults (mean age=21.2 years, SD=2.2 years, 55% women) at 2 timepoints, 6 months apart. Data were analyzed between May and August 2019, using ordered logistic regression.\n\n\nRESULTS\nHigher moderate or vigorous physical activity was inversely associated with cigarette and e-cigarette use cross-sectionally. Only higher moderate physical activity was statistically significantly associated with reduced cigarette smoking 6 months later, after adjusting for baseline cigarette smoking, sensation seeking, BMI, and demographic variables. Higher physical activity at baseline was associated with increased e-cigarette use at follow-up, adjusting for baseline e-cigarette use, sensation seeking, BMI, and demographic variables.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe prospective association between increased physical activity at baseline and higher e-cigarette use 6 months later is of concern. More research is needed to determine if this finding is replicable. Some plausible reasons for the observed associations are discussed.