Summary
Introduction:
This text provides a summary of a study examining the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among youth in the United States. The study uses data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study to estimate the prevalence of open and closed system primary ENDS use by youth current (past 30-day) ENDS users, and compares demographics, tobacco use characteristics, and patterns of ENDS use, including flavors, by device type.
Key Points:
* The study found that among current ENDS users, closed system use was significantly higher than open system use in W4.5 (68.3% vs. 31.7%) and W5 (60.5% vs. 39.5%).
* In W5, closed system users were more likely to have a regular ENDS brand, believe their ENDS had nicotine, and use tobacco and mint or menthol flavors in the past 30 days compared to open system users.
* In W5, users of closed systems were less likely to use fruit, non-alcoholic drink, and candy, desserts, or other sweets flavors in the past 30 days than users of open systems.
* The study found that youth were more likely to use closed over open system ENDS in 2017-2019.
* Differences were observed between device types, particularly with flavor use, reflecting recent changes in flavored product availability.
Main Message:
The study highlights the increasing popularity of closed system ENDS among youth in the United States, and the potential impact of recent changes in flavored product availability on ENDS use patterns. The findings suggest that regulatory efforts to reduce youth ENDS use should consider the role of device types and flavors in youth use patterns.
Citation
Gardner LD, Liu ST, Xiao H, et al. Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) Device Types and Flavors Used by Youth in the PATH Study, 2016-2019. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2022;19(9). doi:10.3390/ijerph19095236
