Awareness and Ever Use of Electronic Cigarettes Among U.S. Adults, 2010–2011

Awareness and Ever Use of Electronic Cigarettes Among U.S. Adults, 2010–2011

This study assessed the awareness and ever use of e-cigarettes among U.S. adults during 2010–2011. Awareness and ever use of e-cigarettes increased from 2010 to 2011. In 2011, about 21 percent of adults who smoke traditional cigarettes had used e-cigarettes, up from about 10 percent in 2010. Overall, about six percent of all adults have tried e-cigarettes, with estimates nearly doubling from 2010. During 2010–2011, adults who have used e-cigarettes increased among both sexes, non-Hispanic Whites, those aged 45–54 years, those living in the South, and current and former smokers and current and former smokers. In both 2010 and 2011, e-cigarette use was significantly higher among current smokers compared to both former and never smokers. Awareness of e-cigarettes rose from about four in 10 adults in 2010 to six in 10 adults in 2011. Since e-cigarette use may continue to increase with time and could have either harmful or beneficial effects on public health, depending on its impact on smoking initiation and cessation, appropriate public health surveillance of the product is needed. Data were obtained from the HealthStyles survey, a national consumer-based survey of U.S. adults aged ≥18 years old. Estimates of awareness and ever use of e-cigarettes were calculated overall and by sex, age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, household income, region, and smoking status.

Links: PDF of Study, Key Messages, CDC Press Release

Source: CDC/Office on Smoking and Health