Associations between e-cigarette use or dual use of e-cigarette and combustible cigarette and metabolic syndrome: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Abstract

Purpose: Examine associations between e-cigarette use or dual use of e-cigarette and combustible cigarette and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Methods: Cross-sectional data of 5121 U.S. adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Weighted multivariable Poisson regression models were used to examine associations between e-cigarette use or dual use and MetS and its components. Prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated.

Results: Current and former e-cigarette users were 30% (95% CI: 1.13, 1.50) and 15% (95% CI: 1.03, 1.28) more likely to have MetS than never e-cigarette users. Current or former e-cigarette use was also associated with elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure (AOR ranged from 1.15 to 1.42, all P < 0.05). The prevalence of MetS for dual users was 1.35-fold (95% CI: 1.15, 1.58) higher than that for never smokers and 1.21-fold (95% CI: 1.00, 1.46) higher than that for combustible cigarette-only users. Dual users were also more likely to report elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol than never smokers or combustible cigarette-only users (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions: E-cigarette use or dual use is associated with MetS. Our findings may inform tobacco control policies regarding regulations of e-cigarette use.

Keywords: Combustible cigarette use; Dual use; E-cigarette use; Metabolic syndrome; National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.