Who Vapes the Most? Exploring the Common Demographics of Vaping Users

Are you curious about who is most likely to vape in the United States? According to recent studies, vaping is most common among young adults and teenagers. In fact, a survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that 27% of people aged 18-29 have tried vaping, compared to just 8% of those aged 30-49.

However, it’s not just young people who are vaping. The same survey found that 15% of adults aged 30-49 have tried vaping, and 6% of those aged 50 and older have tried it as well. Additionally, vaping is more common among those who have previously smoked cigarettes. A Gallup poll found that 11% of Americans who reported smoking cigarettes in the past week also reported vaping, compared to just 6% of those who have not smoked cigarettes recently.

While vaping is most common among young people and former cigarette smokers, it is important to note that it is still a relatively new trend and more research is needed to fully understand its impact on different demographics. Keep reading to learn more about vaping and its prevalence in the United States.

Understanding Vaping

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaVaoja2Uk4&embed=true

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol, commonly referred to as vapor, produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid (also called e-liquid or vape juice) to produce an aerosol that users inhale. The liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.

Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. According to a Pew Research Center survey, vaping was on the rise in the United States before the recent outbreak, especially among young people. The survey found that young adults are more likely than older people to vape, but less likely to smoke cigarettes.

In Canada, vaping is reported in increasing frequencies among those who have never smoked, particularly among adolescents and youth aged 15-24, according to a study. The study notes that while vaping has been viewed primarily as a cessation method or harm reduction strategy for smokers of combustible tobacco cigarettes, a new pattern is becoming evident in this age group.

There are several reasons why vaping may be particularly enticing to young people. First, many teens believe vaping is less harmful than smoking. Second, e-cigarettes have a lower per-use cost than traditional cigarettes. Finally, youths and adults find the lack of smoke appealing, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

It’s important to note that while vaping may be considered less harmful than smoking, it is not without risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless “water vapor” and can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents. Additionally, the long-term health effects of vaping are not yet known.

Vaping Among Teenagers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZpHw35RVi0&embed=true

Vaping has become a popular trend among teenagers in recent years. According to a CDC report, in 2022, more than 2.5 million youth reported using e-cigarettes. The report also found that among youth who currently used e-cigarettes, the most commonly used e-cigarette device type was disposable (55.3%), followed by prefilled or refillable pods or cartridges (25.2%), and tanks or mod systems (6.7%). Additionally, 12.8% reported not knowing the type of device used.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey has demonstrated a decrease in the number of teens trying combustible cigarettes from 70% in 1991 down to 58.4% in 2003 and even further down to 28.9% in 2017. The decrease is largely a response to exhaustive work done by physicians, advocacy groups, and lawmakers. However, the same survey found that e-cigarette use among high school students increased from 1.5% in 2011 to 27.5% in 2019.

The use of e-cigarettes among teenagers is a serious public health concern. According to the CDC, most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. The CDC also reports that among youth who currently used e-cigarettes, the most commonly used e-cigarette device type was disposables (53.7%), followed by prefilled or refillable pods or cartridges (25.2%), and tanks or mod systems (6.7%). Daily use was reported by more than 1 in 4 (27.6%) high school students and about 1 in 12 (8.3%) middle school students who used e-cigarettes.

It is important for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to educate teenagers on the risks associated with e-cigarette use and to discourage them from using these products.

Vaping Among Adults

Vaping has become increasingly popular among adults in recent years. According to the National Health Interview Survey, more than 5.66 million adults in the US population reported current vaping, which is approximately 2.3% of the population [1].

Vaping is most common among young adults aged 18-24, with 7.6% of this age group reporting current vaping. The prevalence of vaping decreases with age, with only 0.9% of adults aged 65 years and older reporting current vaping [1].

In terms of gender, men are more likely to vape than women. In 2020, 3.8% of men reported current vaping compared to 1.8% of women [1].

Vaping is also more common among individuals with lower levels of education and income. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults with less than a high school education were more likely to use e-cigarettes than those with higher levels of education [2].

It’s important to note that while vaping is less harmful than smoking, it still poses health risks and should be avoided, especially by non-smokers and young adults. If you are a current vaper, consider talking to your healthcare provider about quitting strategies.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8094416/

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db365.htm

Vaping Among Ex-Smokers

If you are an ex-smoker, you may have turned to vaping as a way to quit smoking or reduce harm to yourself and others. According to a study cited by the Vaping Post, most e-cigarette users are ex-smokers. This is in line with other studies that have found that a majority of both current and former smokers use or have used e-cigarettes to help them quit smoking.

One reason why ex-smokers may prefer vaping over other smoking cessation methods is that it can provide a similar experience to smoking without the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. E-cigarettes can deliver nicotine to the user without the tar and other carcinogens found in tobacco smoke.

Another reason why ex-smokers may prefer vaping is the wide variety of flavors available. E-liquids come in a range of flavors, from traditional tobacco and menthol to fruity and dessert flavors. This can make the transition from smoking to vaping more enjoyable for some ex-smokers.

It is important to note, however, that whether vaping actually helps smokers quit is unclear and cannot be evaluated using cross-sectional data, according to a study cited by JAMA Network Open. If you are an ex-smoker who is considering vaping as a smoking cessation method, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider first to determine if it is the right choice for you.

Vaping Among Non-Smokers

Vaping is most commonly associated with smokers who are trying to quit smoking. However, vaping has become increasingly popular among non-smokers, particularly young adults and teenagers. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 27% of adults under the age of 30 have tried vaping, and 16% of adults overall have tried it.

One reason for the rise in non-smokers trying vaping is the perception that it is a safer alternative to smoking. While it is true that vaping does not produce the same harmful chemicals as smoking, it is not without risks. Nicotine addiction is a common problem among e-cigarette users, and the long-term health effects of vaping are still not fully understood.

Another reason for the popularity of vaping among non-smokers is the variety of flavors available. E-cigarettes come in a wide range of flavors, from traditional tobacco and menthol to fruity and sweet flavors like strawberry and cotton candy. This variety makes vaping more appealing to non-smokers who might not enjoy the taste of traditional cigarettes.

Despite the popularity of vaping among non-smokers, it is important to remember that e-cigarettes are not without risks. If you are a non-smoker, it is best to avoid vaping altogether to reduce your risk of nicotine addiction and other health problems.

Vaping in Different Geographical Regions

Vaping has become a popular trend worldwide, but the prevalence of vaping varies from region to region. Here is a breakdown of vaping usage in different parts of the world:

North America

According to a study, vaping is on the rise among North American youths. In the US, one-fifth of 10th-grade students and one-quarter of 12th-grade students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. The study also found that the prevalence of vaping is higher among boys than girls.

Europe

In Europe, vaping is more prevalent in the UK than in other countries. According to a study, the UK has the highest number of vapers in Europe, with an estimated 3.6 million adults using e-cigarettes in 2020. France and Germany also have a significant number of vapers, with an estimated 1.5 million and 1.3 million users, respectively.

Asia

Vaping is not as popular in Asia as it is in North America and Europe. However, the prevalence of vaping is on the rise in some countries. For example, in Japan, the number of vapers increased from 0.3% in 2016 to 2.7% in 2019, according to a survey. In South Korea, the number of vapers increased from 0.5% in 2016 to 6.4% in 2018, according to a study.

Africa

There is limited research on the prevalence of vaping in Africa. However, a study found that the use of e-cigarettes is low in Africa compared to other regions. The study also found that the use of e-cigarettes is more prevalent among males than females in Africa.

Australia

Vaping is legal in Australia, but it is heavily regulated. According to a study, the prevalence of vaping in Australia is low, with only 1.2% of adults reporting using e-cigarettes in 2016. However, the study also found that the prevalence of vaping is higher among younger adults and smokers in Australia.

Vaping Among Different Socioeconomic Groups

Vaping has become a popular trend in recent years, but it is not equally prevalent among all socioeconomic groups. According to a study published in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, higher-income and White smokers may be more likely to use e-cigarettes as a means to quit combustible cigarettes compared with low-income and racial/ethnic minority smokers.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also indicates that non-Hispanic white adults are more likely than Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, and non-Hispanic Asian adults to have ever used an e-cigarette. The same study found that adults living below the poverty line are less likely to have ever used an e-cigarette compared to those living above the poverty line.

The FDA has also reported that youth vaping is more prevalent among certain socioeconomic groups. The National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) data from 2018 and 2019 showed disturbing increases in the use of e-cigarette products among middle and high school students. In 2020, however, NYTS data showed that 1.8 million fewer U.S. youth were currently using e-cigarettes compared to 2019.

Overall, it appears that vaping is more common among higher-income and White individuals. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that other socioeconomic groups do not also vape. It is crucial to continue educating individuals from all backgrounds about the potential risks associated with vaping.

Vaping Among Different Genders

Vaping has become a popular trend among young people, and it is important to understand who is most likely to engage in this behavior. According to a study conducted in 2018, more females than males had tried e-cigarettes or vaping, with a percentage of around 53% of U.S. adults having tried it.

When it comes to reasons for vaping, gender differences were found in a study conducted on U.S. adolescents. Females were more likely to cite “less harmful to others” and “help cut down on cigarettes” as their reasons for vaping, while males were more likely to cite “less harmful than cigarettes.”

Another study found that e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among adolescents, and recent findings have shown that e-cigarette use can lead to cigarette smoking. However, gender differences in e-cigarette use among adolescents are relatively unknown.

Overall, while more females than males have tried vaping, it is important to continue researching gender differences in e-cigarette use to better understand why certain groups may be more likely to engage in this behavior.

Vaping Among Different Ethnic Groups

Vaping has become increasingly popular among different ethnic groups. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, African American/Black participants were more likely to use e-cigarettes as a cessation aid compared to both Whites and Hispanics. This suggests that African Americans/Blacks may be more interested in using e-cigarettes to quit smoking.

Another study published in the National Library of Medicine found that transgender adolescents of color were more likely to report a higher frequency of vaping than cisgender white adolescents. Disparities were greatest between transgender and cisgender Black adolescents. This suggests that transgender adolescents of color may be more interested in vaping than cisgender white adolescents.

Weighted Chi-square tests showed that American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) students had the highest prevalence rates among dual users and e-cigarette only users, while White peers had the highest prevalence rates among cigarette only users. This suggests that AI/AN students may be more interested in using e-cigarettes than cigarettes.

Socioeconomic and racial/ethnic differences in electronic cigarette use among cigarette smokers have not been previously characterized in the US adult population. However, according to the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, differences by income and race/ethnicity in e-cigarette use were observed. This suggests that income and race/ethnicity may play a role in e-cigarette use among cigarette smokers.

In conclusion, vaping is common among different ethnic groups. African Americans/Blacks, transgender adolescents of color, and American Indian/Alaska Native students may be more interested in vaping than other groups. Income and race/ethnicity may also play a role in e-cigarette use among cigarette smokers.