Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a study examining the factors that contribute to electronic cigarette (ECIG) dependence among never-smoking ECIG users. The study analyzed individual device characteristics, device type, and user behaviors as predictors of ECIG dependence.
Key Points:
* The study used a convenience sample of non-smoking ECIG users recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk, internet forum sites, and university listservs.
* Participants completed an online survey that assessed demographics, ECIG use behavior, and ECIG dependence, and uploaded a picture of their personal ECIG device/liquid.
* Device characteristics and user behaviors were examined as predictors of dependence controlling for demographics.
* Longer durations of ECIG use and more use days/week were associated significantly with higher ECIG dependence scores.
* Higher nicotine concentrations were associated with higher dependence scores, but only for the Penn State Electronic Nicotine Dependence Index.
* Dependence scores did not differ as a function of ECIG device types after controlling for covariates.
* The study suggests that regulatory efforts aimed at reducing the dependence potential of ECIGs in never smokers should focus on overall nicotine emissions rather than product features.
Main Message:
The study found that ECIG dependence was observed among never-smoking ECIG users, regardless of their ECIG device/liquid features. The findings suggest that regulatory efforts aimed at reducing the dependence potential of ECIGs in never smokers should focus on overall nicotine emissions rather than product features. This is important information for regulators to consider as they work to minimize the harm caused by ECIG use.
Citation
Douglas AE, Felicione NJ, Childers MG, Soule EK, Blank MD. Predictors of electronic cigarette dependence among non-smoking electronic cigarette users: User behavior and device characteristics. Addictive behaviors. 2023;137:107500. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107500
