Examining the Relationship Between E-Cigarette Status and Wearable Device Use on Physical Activity Levels in U.S. Adults

• Published in: American journal of health promotion Vol. 38; no. 8; pp. 1140 - 1146
• Main Authors: Tiralla, Gillian, Tamulevicius, Nauris, Martinasek, Mary P., Leung, Willie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.11.2024; American Journal of Health Promotion
• Subjects: Adults; Cigarettes; Electronic cigarettes; Exercise; Physical activity; Polls & surveys; Risk behavior; Surveillance; Time use; Wearable computers; United States > US; exercise; vaping; wearable technology; fitness tracker; smoking
• ISSN: 0890-1171; 2168-6602; 2168-6602
• DOI: 10.1177/08901171241256712

Purpose The aim of this analysis is to investigate physical activity levels amongst e-cigarette users based on their wearable device use. Design Cross-sectional secondary data analysis using 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Setting Data from the 2017 BRFSS were used. Sample 5,562 U.S. adults (age 18+). Measures Self-reported physical activity related variables from U.S. adults (age 18+). Analysis Separate unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models were performed for each of the dependent variables using survey analysis. Results Non-users of wearable devices and e-cigarettes account for 96.6% (95%CI [95.7, 97.6]) of the sample, whereas users of wearable devices and e-cigarettes account for 3.3% (95%CI [1.2, 5.4]) of the sample. Those who use e-cigarettes participate in almost 50% less vigorous physical activity minutes per week than nonusers, 46 (95%CI [0.43, 91.57]) and 93 (95%CI [80.59, 106.34]) minutes respectively. Individuals who use e-cigarettes and use wearable devices were found to spend significantly more time in total physical activity per week in both the unadjusted and adjusted linear regressions, P = =0.01 and P = =0.04 respectively. Conclusion The use of e-cigarettes, wearable devices, or both technologies may influence the physical activity levels of its users. Additional research is needed to better understand the association between physical activity levels and the usage of these technologies.