Summary
Introduction:
This text is a summary of a research study examining the role of flavors in the initiation and satisfaction of e-cigarette use among U.S. adults. The study also explores the association between flavors and perceived addiction to vaping.
Key Points:
* The study was conducted using an online quantitative survey of 2,561 adults, with a final sample of 1,492 current e-cigarette users.
* Most current e-cigarette users (62.9%) typically used flavors other than tobacco.
* Flavor was a common reason for vaping initiation, selected by 29.5% of the sample.
* Those who used flavors, particularly mint/menthol and flavors other than tobacco flavor, had higher odds of reporting high satisfaction with vaping and perceived addiction to vaping than respondents who did not use flavored e-cigarettes.
* Young adults were more likely to cite flavors as a reason to use e-cigarettes compared with adults aged 35 or older.
* adults age 30 or older are less likely than younger adults to prefer sweet flavors and more likely to prefer non-sweet flavors.
* Flavor appears to be associated with use of e-cigarettes as a cessation strategy to quit combustible cigarettes.
Main Message:
The study suggests that flavors play a significant role in the initiation and satisfaction of e-cigarette use among U.S. adults, particularly young adults. The appeal of flavors, particularly among young adults, has implications for regulatory policy regarding the marketing and promotion of flavored products. These findings may provide direction for the Food and Drug administration’s plans to restrict flavors other than menthol, mint, and tobacco. additionally, the study suggests that flavor is associated with use of e-cigarettes as a cessation strategy to quit combustible cigarettes, which could be an important consideration in regulatory policy.
Citation
Landry RL, Groom aL, Vu ThT, et al. The role of flavors in vaping initiation and satisfaction among U.S. adults. addictive behaviors. 2019;99:106077. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106077
