Summary
Introduction:
This article reports the findings of a study examining the levels of nicotine dependence among US adolescent and young adult e-cigarette users. The study aimed to provide comprehensive evidence on the extent of nicotine dependence among aYas by e-cigarette device type, to ascertain if dependence can arise from exclusive e-cigarette use, and to determine if multiple tobacco product use is associated with nicotine dependence.
Key Points:
* The study used the hooked on Nicotine Checklist (hONC) to assess levels of nicotine dependence among aYas who had used disposable, pod-based, and/or mods/other e-cigarette devices in the past 30 days.
* The study found that patterns of nicotine dependence were comparable across those who had used a combustible cigarette and/or e-cigarette in the past 30 days, with more than 80% of users endorsing at least one hONC symptom.
* The study also found that more than 70% of all e-cigarette only past-30-day users endorsed at least one hONC symptom, regardless of the type of device used.
* The study used quota sampling to achieve a balanced sample in terms of age, sex, and race/ethnicity.
* The survey was administered via qualtrics from 6 to 14 May 2020.
* The study found that the majority of past-30-day e-cigarette users were female, with a mean age of 19.5 years, and 48.6% were non-hispanic White.
* The study also found that dual use of e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes was high, with 1178 participants endorsing having ever used both products.
Main Message:
The study highlights the high levels of nicotine dependence among aYa e-cigarette users, regardless of the type of device used. The findings suggest that e-cigarette use can lead to nicotine dependence, even in the absence of previous nicotine exposure from combustible cigarettes. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of recognizing and managing aYa nicotine dependence, particularly in the clinical setting. The results of this study can inform regulatory measures aimed at reducing nicotine dependence among aYa e-cigarette users.
Citation
Lin C, Gaiha SM, halpern-Felsher B. Nicotine Dependence from Different E-Cigarette Devices and Combustible Cigarettes among US adolescent and Young adult Users. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2022;19(10). doi:10.3390/ijerph19105846
