Young adult e-cigarette use: a latent class analysis of device and flavor use, 2018-2019.

Introduction:
This text analyzes the use of e-cigarettes among young adults through a latent class analysis of device and flavor use from 2018-2019. The study identifies distinct patterns of e-cigarette device and flavor use and evaluates their association with vaping and smoking frequency.

Key Points:

* The study used cross-sectional survey data from a Southern California cohort of young adults who reported past 30-day nicotine vaping.
* Six device and three flavor indicators were included in a latent class analysis.
* Three classes were identified: any Pod–Mint/Menthol or Sweet/Fruit Flavor Users, Non-JUUL–Sweet/Fruit Flavor Users, and Poly-Device–Poly-Flavor Users.
* Greater frequency of vaping and smoking were associated with higher odds of belonging to the Poly-Device–Poly-Flavor Users class.
* Young adults characterized by a proclivity toward using many different devices and flavors were appreciably prevalent and smoked and vaped more frequently.
* Regulations targeting a wide spectrum of vaping products may be optimal in protecting Ya health.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering the myriad of e-cigarette devices and flavors used by young adults when identifying the specific products associated with more frequent tobacco use. The findings suggest that regulations targeting a wide range of vaping products may be necessary to protect young adult health. The text emphasizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to e-cigarette regulation may not be effective, and a more comprehensive strategy that takes into account the diversity of device and flavor use patterns is needed.

Lanza hI, Leventhal aM, Cho J, et al. Young adult e-cigarette use: a latent class analysis of device and flavor use, 2018-2019. Drug and alcohol dependence. 2020;216:108258. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108258