Differences in intention to use flavored oral nicotine products among young adult e-cigarette users and non-users

Introduction:
This text discusses a study examining the differences in intention to use flavored oral nicotine products (ONPs) among young adult e-cigarette users and non-users. The study aims to understand the potential health impact of ONPs, particularly in relation to e-cigarette users who may be interested in quitting vaping.

Key Points:

* The study focused on young adults aged 20-24 who were non-users or users of e-cigarettes, with or without motivation to quit vaping.
* Participants were shown digital images of five flavored ONPs and reported their intention to use each product.
* The study found that e-cigarette users, regardless of their motivation to quit vaping, had higher use intention for nonmedicinal ONPs compared to non-users.
* There was a significant Group ×ONP type interaction, with higher use intention for e-cigarette users with vs without quit motivation present only for gum NRT.
* The study suggests that nonmedicinal ONPs may have broader appeal to the overall young vaper population, including those who enjoy vaping and wish to continue using e-cigarettes.
* The study's design excluded existing users of ONPs, and the absolute use intention scores may underestimate ONP use in the overall population.
* Future research is needed to accurately estimate the absolute prevalence of ONP adoption and its association with e-cigarette use status and quit vaping motivation in the young adult population.

Main Message:
The study finds that young adult e-cigarette users, regardless of their motivation to quit vaping, may have a higher intention to use nonmedicinal ONPs compared to non-users. This information is important for regulatory agencies to consider when making decisions on nonmedicinal ONP marketing applications. The findings suggest that authorizing nonmedicinal ONPs could attract some young adult e-cigarette users without intention to quit vaping into ONP-e-cigarette poly-nicotine use patterns. Therefore, regulatory decisions on nonmedicinal ONPs should consider the current evidence alongside future research addressing ONP use surveillance in youth and older adult nicotine/tobacco users, addiction potential, toxicity, and effects on use of other nicotine/tobacco products.

Leventhal, A. M., Cho, J., Vogel, E. A., Tackett, A. P., Harlow, A. F., Wong, M., Han, D.-H., Hughes Halbert, C., Unger, J., Lerman, C., & Barrington-Trimis, J. L. (2022). Differences in intention to use flavored oral nicotine products among young adult e-cigarette users and non-users. Preventive Medicine Reports, 30, 102027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.102027