Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine poly-e-cigarette (poly-EC) device use among youth EC users and identify factors associated with poly- versus single-EC device use status.
Methods: 861 EC users aged 14-21 responded to an online survey about EC use and sociodemographic factors in August 2020. Respondents were included if they were current EC users (i.e., at least one day in the past 30 days) and excluded if they were currently using other tobacco products (OTPs).
Results: Data analysis indicated poly-EC device use was associated with higher self-reported nicotine dependence, younger age of onset, having close friends who use ECs and higher or lower self-perceived socioeconomic status compared to others.
Conclusions: Young poly-EC device users were more likely to begin using at a younger age, live with and have close friends who were EC users, and report greater nicotine dependence. Identifying temporality in these associations can identify youth at greater risk of poly-EC use. Future research should examine poly-EC device use in prospective surveillance monitoring to further evaluate the longitudinal implications on use and dependence.
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