Biochemical validation of self-reported electronic nicotine delivery system and tobacco heaviness of use.

Introduction:
This article reports on a study that aimed to validate self-reported measures of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) use by comparing them to biochemical measures of nicotine use. The study also explored the relationship between self-reported puff topography and nicotine concentrations.

Key Points:

* The study included 30 young adults who currently use ENDS and other tobacco products.
* Participants completed a detailed tobacco use history, timeline follow-back, and an ENDS topography session.
* The sum of the self-reported number of occasions or hours of ENDS use, along with the number of cigarettes and other tobacco products used, over the past 24 hours was significantly correlated with plasma cotinine levels.
* Puff topography measures correlated with increased nicotine concentrations, although participants underestimated the number of puffs they took during the topography session.
* The study provides preliminary evidence that summing together the hours of ENDS use, or the number of occasions of ENDS use, in addition to the number of other tobacco products used based on self-report may be an accurate method of quantification.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of developing a reliable and accurate means of estimating self-reported ENDS use, as current methods are not feasible for many studies. The study's findings suggest that summing together the hours of ENDS use or the number of occasions of ENDS use, in addition to the number of other tobacco products used based on self-report, may be an accurate method of quantification. however, further research is needed to establish a quick and reliable estimation of ENDS use based on self-report. The study's results are essential for researchers studying tobacco/nicotine addiction and the health impact of ENDS.

addicott Ma, Sutfin EL, Reynolds LM, Donny EC, Matich EK, hsu PC. Biochemical validation of self-reported electronic nicotine delivery system and tobacco heaviness of use. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. 2023;31(3):715-723. doi:10.1037/pha0000604