Abstract
Document the prevalence of electronic cigarette (E‐cigarette) use among the native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults compared with other racial/ethnic groups, and examine associations between psychological distress and E‐cigarette use. 2014 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and 2014 NHPI–NHIS were combined for comparisons. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Rao‐Scott χ
2 test, and multivariable logistic regression. E‐cigarette use among NHPI (5.6%) was significantly higher than among Blacks (2.1%), Hispanics (2.2%), and Asians (1.7%; p < .001). NHPI with Kessler 6 (K6) score of 11–24 had greater odds of using E‐cigarettes (odds ratio [OR]: 3.90; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.81–8.42) as compared to those with a K6 score of 0. Associations between having a K6 score of 11–24 and using E‐cigarettes were also found for Whites (OR: 3.49; CI: 2.44–4.99), Asians (OR: 5.29; CI: 1.29–21.70), and Hispanics (OR: 6.14; CI: 2.72–13.83). E‐cigarette use was higher among NHPI relative to other racial/ethnic groups. NHPI with K6 score of 11–24 had greater odds of using E‐cigarettes as compared to those with a K6 score of 0. Policies and strategies to reduce E‐cigarette use among NHPI should give careful consideration to the associations between E‐cigarette use and psychological distress in the NHPI population.