Assessing nicotine dependence in adolescent E-cigarette users: The 4-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Nicotine Dependence Item Bank for electronic cigarettes

Introduction:
This text reviews a study that aimed to validate the use of the 4-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Nicotine Dependence Item Bank for Electronic cigarettes (PROMIS-E) in assessing nicotine dependence in adolescent e-cigarette users. The study also identified characteristics of adolescent vapers that may confer risk for experiencing e-cigarette nicotine dependence.

Key Points:

* The study found that the PROMIS-E is a valid and reliable tool for measuring nicotine dependence in adolescent e-cigarette users.
* Adolescent e-cigarette users who were older, had an earlier age of e-cigarette onset, vaped more frequently, used nicotine e-liquid (and higher nicotine concentrations), and currently smoked cigarettes were more likely to experience stronger nicotine dependence.
* The study found no significant differences in nicotine dependence between male and female adolescent e-cigarette users, or between white and non-white adolescent e-cigarette users.
* The study sample had low overall e-cigarette dependence levels, but over half of the sample endorsed experiencing some level of e-cigarette nicotine dependence.
* Approximately 35% of the sample was missing data on nicotine concentration, suggesting that additional research is needed to determine how to assess nicotine concentration reliably among adolescents.
* The study did not assess tobacco cigarette nicotine dependence, which may influence e-cigarette nicotine dependence.
* The study could not examine the convergent or incremental validity of the PROMIS-E because no alternative psychometrically sound measure of youth e-cigarette nicotine dependence exists.

Main Message:
The study suggests that the PROMIS-E is a valid and reliable tool for measuring nicotine dependence in adolescent e-cigarette users. The study also identified several characteristics of adolescent vapers that may confer risk for experiencing e-cigarette nicotine dependence. The findings highlight the need for adolescent-focused e-cigarette prevention and regulatory efforts, as adolescent e-cigarette use can induce nicotine dependence, which could promote escalating e-cigarette use and/or the use of other tobacco products.

Morean, Meghan E., Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, and Stephanie S. O’Malley. “Assessing Nicotine Dependence in Adolescent E-Cigarette Users: The 4-Item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Nicotine Dependence Item Bank for Electronic Cigarettes.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence 188 (July 2018): 60–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.03.029.