by A recent study conducted by the University at Buffalo has revealed a concerning trend of increased e-cigarette use among pregnant adolescents. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, aimed to shed light on the prevalence of e-cigarette use in this vulnerable population, as more adolescents in general are turning to e-cigarettes rather than combustible cigarettes.
Lead researcher Xiaozhong Wen, Ph.D., noted the significant rise in e-cigarette usage among adolescents in recent years. However, there is limited research on e-cigarette use specifically among pregnant adolescents, who are especially vulnerable due to their young age. To address this gap, the researchers conducted an observational study using data from 10,428 pregnant individuals enrolled in the U.S. Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) between 2016 and 2021.
The findings of the study revealed a more than fivefold increase in the exclusive use of e-cigarettes among pregnant adolescents, from 0.8% in 2016 to 4.1% in 2020. In contrast, the exclusive use of combustible cigarettes decreased from 9.2% in 2017 to 3.2% in 2021. This increasing trend can be attributed to the perception that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. Interestingly, the data showed that the highest prevalence of exclusive e-cigarette use during pregnancy was among white adolescents.
The study also aimed to explore the potential effects of e-cigarette use on infant growth. While smoking traditional cigarettes during pregnancy is known to increase the risk of small-for-gestational-age babies, the impact of e-cigarettes on infant weight has not been extensively studied.
Wen explained that animal studies have suggested that prenatal nicotine exposure, which can occur through e-cigarette use, may restrict fetal growth due to reduced blood flow to the uterus and placenta. However, the evidence regarding the effects of nicotine replacement therapy products, such as patches and gums, on infant growth is inconclusive. E-cigarettes, which deliver nicotine without combustion, share certain similarities with these nicotine replacement products.
The study found no statistically significant difference in the risk of small-for-gestational-age birth between pregnant adolescents who exclusively used e-cigarettes, used both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes, or did not use either product. However, the risk was twice as high among pregnant adolescents who exclusively smoked combustible cigarettes compared to those who did not use either product.
Wen emphasized that while the findings suggest that e-cigarettes may be a safer option for pregnant adolescents compared to combustible cigarettes, the best choice for overall health is complete abstinence from all tobacco and nicotine products. E-cigarettes can play a helpful role in assisting current smokers in quitting, but ultimately, their use should also be discontinued.
These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and education programs to address the increasing use of e-cigarettes among pregnant adolescents. It is essential to ensure that comprehensive support is available to assist young expectant mothers in making informed choices that prioritize the health and well-being of themselves and their infants.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
