Nicotine pouch product awareness, interest and ever use among US adults who smoke, 2021

Introduction:
This text discusses a study on the awareness, interest, and ever use of tobacco-free nicotine pouches among U.S. adult smokers. The study provides valuable insights into the growing popularity of nicotine pouches and their impact on the tobacco market.

Key Points:

* The study found that nearly 30% of current adult smokers were aware of nicotine pouches, with awareness being higher among younger adults and those who had ever used SLT.
* About 17% of smokers expressed interest in using nicotine pouches, with greater interest among those with imminent plans to quit and those who previously tried quitting with traditional methods or another tobacco or nicotine product.
* The study found that 5.6% of smokers had ever tried nicotine pouches, with ever use being significantly associated with age, education, previous quit attempts with traditional methods, and ever SLT use.
* The study sample consisted solely of cigarette smokers, and the survey did not refer to any modified risks about nicotine pouches, which may influence responses to questions about these products.
* The findings suggest that awareness and use of tobacco-free nicotine pouches among adult smokers is substantial enough to warrant their inclusion in surveys with tobacco or nicotine product measures.
* Further independent research is needed on actual and perceived risk of nicotine pouches, reasons, and settings for use across various population groups, including naïve tobacco users.
* Additional research should also clarify whether use of nicotine pouches is associated with tobacco smoking quit attempts, cessation, or harm reduction for smokers, or whether pouches may facilitate dual use and delayed cessation.

Main Message:
The study highlights the growing popularity of nicotine pouches among U.S. adult smokers, with nearly 30% of smokers being aware of these products and about 17% expressing interest in using them. The findings suggest that further research is needed to understand the potential risks and benefits of nicotine pouches, particularly in relation to tobacco smoking cessation and harm reduction. The study also emphasizes the need to monitor the marketing and use of nicotine pouches to ensure that they do not contribute to the ongoing tobacco epidemic.

Hrywna, M., Gonsalves, N. J., Delnevo, C. D., & Wackowski, O. A. (2023). Nicotine pouch product awareness, interest and ever use among US adults who smoke, 2021. Tobacco Control, 32(6), 782–785. https://doi.org/10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-057156