Prevalence of ever using e-cigarettes varied significantly by age group:117 use was highest among young adults aged 20-24 and youth aged 15-19, decreasing with age into adulthood (Figure 12.4). Between 2013 and 2015, ever use significantly increased within all age groups, except for adults aged 35-44.118-122
Among youth aged 15-19, the prevalence estimate for ever trying e-cigarettes was comparable to cigarettes or cigarillos, but higher than other smoked tobacco products (see Figure 10.1).
Use of e-cigarettes in the past 30 days also varied significantly by age group:123 prevalence was highest among youth and young adults (Figure 12.5). Between 2013 and 2015, past 30-day use increased significantly in all age groups.124-127
Among youth aged 15-19, past 30-day use of e-cigarettes was less prevalent than cigarette smoking, which was reported by 9.8%a.
Of those who reported ever trying an e-cigarette, use in the past 30 days did not vary significantly by age group:128 24.5%b of ever-users aged 15-19 had used an e-cigarette in the past 30 days, as well as 20.8%c aged 20-24, 23.2%d aged 25-44, and 27.4%e aged 45 and older.
Overall, daily e-cigarette use was reported by 1.3%f of young people aged 15-24, 1.1%g of adults aged 25-44, and 0.9%h of adults age 45 and older—not significantly different between age groups.129
Of those reporting e-cigarette use in the past 30 days, the proportion using daily increased significantly with age,130 from 21.0%i of users aged 15-24, to 32.5%j of users aged 25-44, to 42.8%k of users aged 45 and older.
a: 9.8 [7.8-11.9]
b: 24.5 [18.6-30.4]
c: 20.8 [16.0-25.5]
d: 23.2 [17.2-29.2]
e: 27.4 [19.3-35.2]
f: 1.3 [0.8-1.9]
g: 1.1 [0.5-1.7]
h: 0.9 [0.4-1.4]
i: 21.0 [13.3-28.6]
j: 32.5 [18.0-46.9]
k: 42.8 [26.5-59.2]
