Adolescent Use of Flavored Non-Tobacco Oral Nicotine Products

Introduction:
This article examines the prevalence of flavored non-tobacco oral nicotine product use among adolescents in Southern California. The study also investigates the correlation between sociodemographic factors, tobacco product use history, and the use of these products. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring non-tobacco oral nicotine product use among adolescents and the need for policies to protect young people from the potential harms associated with these products.

Key Points:

* The study surveyed 3516 high school students in Southern California between September and December 2021.
* Flavored non-tobacco oral nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches and nontherapeutic nicotine gums, lozenges, tablets, and gummies, were the second most prevalent nicotine product used by adolescents.
* Hispanic, sexual minority, gender minority, and female participants had higher odds of using non-tobacco oral nicotine products.
* Adolescents with a history of combustible and noncombustible tobacco use were more likely to use non-tobacco oral nicotine products.
* The study suggests that surveillance of non-tobacco oral nicotine product use among adolescents should be a public health priority.
* National surveys on drug use and health do not currently include measures of non-tobacco oral nicotine product use.
* The study is limited by the low overall prevalence of nicotine and tobacco product use, cross-sectional data, and self-reported data.

Main Message:
The study highlights the significant use of flavored non-tobacco oral nicotine products among adolescents, particularly among disadvantaged populations. The findings underscore the need for increased surveillance and regulation of these products to protect young people from potential health harms. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of including measures of non-tobacco oral nicotine product use in national surveys to better understand the prevalence and impact of these products on adolescent health.

Harlow, A. F., Vogel, E. A., Tackett, A. P., Cho, J., Han, D.-H., Wong, M., Cockburn, M. G., Sussman, S. Y., Unger, J. B., Leventhal, A. M., & Barrington-Trimis, J. L. (2022). Adolescent Use of Flavored Non-Tobacco Oral Nicotine Products. Pediatrics, 150(3), e2022056586. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-056586