Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the relationship between nicotine dependence and the use of e-cigarettes, specifically pod devices such as Juul, among adolescents. The study compares survey responses and urinary cotinine levels of past-week pod users and non-pod e-cigarette users.
Key Points:
* The study included 517 adolescents, ages 12-21, who completed an anonymous survey regarding e-cigarette use and provided a urine sample.
* Pod users were more likely to be younger and report using e-cigarettes more frequently and recently than non-pod users.
* Pod users showed more signs of nicotine dependence, including a higher percentage of daily users and a greater number of positive responses to dependence questions.
* Higher urinary cotinine levels were seen in those responding affirmatively to dependence questions.
* The study was limited by a small sample size and the possibility of overlap between pod and non-pod users.
* The findings highlight the importance of identifying and addressing nicotine dependence in adolescents who use e-cigarettes, particularly pod devices.
Main Message:
The study provides evidence of nicotine dependence in adolescents who use pod devices such as Juul. Pediatricians should be vigilant in identifying dependence symptoms in their patients who use e-cigarettes, particularly in those using pod devices. Further study is needed to determine the best approaches for preventing and treating nicotine dependence in this population.
Citation
Boykan, Rachel, Maciej L. Goniewicz, and Catherine R. Messina. “Evidence of Nicotine Dependence in Adolescents Who Use Juul and Similar Pod Devices.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 12 (June 17, 2019): 2135. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122135.
