Flavor and Nicotine Effects on E-cigarette appeal in Young adults: Moderation by Reason for Vaping.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study examining the effects of flavor and nicotine on the appeal of e-cigarettes in young adult dual users, stratified by their reason for vaping. The study aims to provide information that can inform regulations for e-cigarette flavors and nicotine content.

Key Points:

* The study used a within-participant factorial design, with 9 flavors and 2 nicotine content levels, resulting in 18 solutions.
* The study included 53 young adult dual users, who were split into two groups based on their response to whether they use e-cigarettes as a way of quitting smoking.
* The appeal of each solution was rated using visual analogue scales (VaS) for liking, disliking, and willingness to use again.
* The study found that non-tobacco flavors increased appeal and nicotine-containing solutions reduced appeal similarly in dual users who did and did not vape to quit smoking.
* however, there was suggestive evidence that fruit and menthol flavors suppressed nicotine's appeal-reducing effects more powerfully in those that did not vape to quit smoking.
* The study also found that dual users who vape for the purpose of quitting smoking may prefer e-cigarette products that closely resemble combustible cigarettes, while dual users who vape for other reasons may be more open to e-cigarettes with qualities that depart from combustible cigarettes.

Main Message:
The study suggests that non-tobacco flavors may increase e-cigarette product appeal in young adult dual users overall and disproportionately suppress nicotine's appeal-reducing effects in those that vape for purposes other than assisting with smoking cessation. These findings have significant regulatory implications, particularly for dual users, who exhibit biomarkers indicative of increased exposure to nicotine and cardiovascular/carcinogenic toxins. Further research is needed to more precisely inform the potential health impact of flavor regulation in dual users.

Leventhal aM, Mason TB, Cwalina SN, Whitted L, anderson M, Callahan C. Flavor and Nicotine Effects on E-cigarette appeal in Young adults: Moderation by Reason for Vaping. american journal of health behavior. 2020;44(5):732-743. doi:10.5993/aJhB.44.5.15