Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) dependence among Texas Young adults, 2014-2019: Increasing trajectory after the 2017 surge in vape pod popularity.

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a study examining the trajectory of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) dependence among young adults in Texas from 2014-2019. The study uses a discontinuous growth curve model to test the hypothesis that the ENDS dependence trajectory would increase only after 2017, following a surge in popularity of vape pods containing nicotine salts. The study also controls for socio-demographic and cigarette dependence covariates.

Key Points:

* Participants were 1,700 young adults aged 18-25 who reported past 30-day ENDS use in at least one of eight study waves.
* ENDS dependence was assessed at all waves with one item, use of ENDS within 30 minutes of waking.
* The discontinuous growth curve model indicated that the ENDS dependence trajectory was flat from fall 2014 to spring 2017, but increased after 2017, from 2018-2019.
* Male sex, sexual and gender minority identity, and cigarette dependence were positively associated with ENDS dependence.
* hispanic ethnicity was negatively associated with ENDS dependence.
* The proportion of young adults reporting ENDS dependence was almost triple the proportion reporting cigarette dependence in 2019.
* The increase in ENDS dependence after 2017 is likely due to the surge in popularity of vape pods with nicotine salts.

Main Message:
The study suggests that the surge in popularity of vape pods containing nicotine salts has led to an increase in ENDS dependence among young adults. This highlights the need for further research on the long-term implications of ENDS use and the potential impact of regulations on nicotine concentration and labelling. It is important for regulatory agencies to consider the potential risks associated with ENDS use, particularly among young adults, and take appropriate measures to protect public health.

Loukas a, Marti CN, harrell MB, Pasch KE, Wilkinson aV. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) dependence among Texas Young adults, 2014-2019: Increasing trajectory after the 2017 surge in vape pod popularity. Drug and alcohol dependence. 2022;241:109700. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109700