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Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Use and Pregnancy I: ENDS Use Behavior During Pregnancy

  • Parenting & Addiction (S Kim, H Rutherford and L Strathearn, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review examines Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) use behavior during pregnancy, including the prevalence of and transitions in use during pregnancy.

Recent Findings

Twenty-two papers addressed the prevalence of and/or transitions in ENDS use during pregnancy. Findings show a complex landscape of ENDS use. A minority (0.4–7.0%) of pregnant persons use ENDS; most commonly this occurs in the form of dual use (ENDS and combustible cigarettes (CC); 75%). Many pregnant persons report using ENDS because they perceive them to be a lower-risk alternative and/or potential cessation aide for CC smoking. However, while a subset of those who use ENDS do quit all tobacco product use during pregnancy, only a small proportion switch from exclusive CC smoking to exclusive ENDS use.

Summary

ENDS are a somewhat new addition to the tobacco product landscape. The perception of ENDS as a lower-risk alternative may contribute to ENDS use in pregnancy. There is insufficient evidence to support the notion that ENDS facilitates the cessation of tobacco product use during pregnancy.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Funding

EED’s and TF’s effort were supported by R01DA046360. AMA’s effort was supported by R01HD100418. RDP’s effort was supported by K01DA040043. NP’s effort was supported by R00DA045749. These grants are from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), and Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute on Child Health and Development (NICHD). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH or the Food and Drug Administration.

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Correspondence to Elise E. DeVito.

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DeVito, E.E., Fagle, T., Allen, A.M. et al. Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Use and Pregnancy I: ENDS Use Behavior During Pregnancy. Curr Addict Rep 8, 347–365 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-021-00380-w

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