Use frequency and symptoms of nicotine dependence among adolescent E-cigarette users: Comparison of JUUL and Non-JUUL users.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the frequency and symptoms of nicotine dependence among adolescent e-cigarette users, with a focus on comparing JUUL and non-JUUL users. The study uses data from the 2020 National Youth Tobacco Survey and compares adolescent e-cigarette users who reported JUUL use to those who did not. The outcomes measured include symptoms of nicotine dependence and past 30-day e-cigarette use frequency.

Key Points:

* The study found that 49.5% of adolescent e-cigarette users reported using JUUL in the past 30 days.
* JUUL users were 1.77 (95% CI: 1.36 – 2.31) times as likely to report symptoms of nicotine dependence compared to non-JUUL users.
* JUUL users were 1.43 (95% CI: 1.02 – 2.01) times as likely to report heavy e-cigarette use compared to light e-cigarette use, relative to non-JUUL users.
* Covariates included sex, race/ethnicity, grade level, other tobacco use, and device type preference.
* Data were weighted to be representative of adolescent e-cigarette users in the United States.
* The study controlled for a binary measure of any use of other tobacco products in the past 30 days.
* Participants were categorized as pod/cartridge users or non-pod/cartridge users based on their primary e-cigarette device type.

Main Message:
The study found that JUUL use was associated with greater odds of nicotine dependence and more frequent e-cigarette use among adolescents. The study highlights the need for greater prevention and regulatory efforts to prevent adolescent use of high dose nicotine devices such as JUUL. The findings have implications for public health interventions, including communication campaigns and tobacco regulatory policy. Further investigation is needed to examine the temporal relationship between JUUL use and nicotine dependence.

Mantey DS, Case KR, Omega-Njemnobi O, Springer aE, Kelder Sh. Use frequency and symptoms of nicotine dependence among adolescent E-cigarette users: Comparison of JUUL and Non-JUUL users. Drug and alcohol dependence. 2021;228:109078. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109078