Parsing Intra- and Inter-Individual Covariation Between the Sensory attributes and appeal of E-Cigarettes: associations and Gender Differences.

Introduction:
This text summarizes a research study examining the associations between e-cigarette sensory attributes and appeal, with a focus on gender differences. The study used a within-participant randomized double-blind design with custom e-cigarette solutions in 10 flavors and two nicotine formulations. Participants completed a controlled guided puffing procedure and rated the sensory attributes and appeal of each e-cigarette administration.

Key Points:

* The study used a within-participant randomized double-blind design with custom e-cigarette solutions in 10 flavors and two nicotine formulations.
* Participants completed a controlled guided puffing procedure and rated the sensory attributes and appeal of each e-cigarette administration.
* Sensory ratings were partitioned into between-person and within-person variables.
* The study found that sweet, smooth, and cool sensory attributes positively associated with appeal at the between- and within-person level.
* Bitter and harsh sensory attributes negatively associated with appeal at the between- and within-person level.
* The associations of between-person sweet, smooth, and cool ratings with appeal were larger in males compared to females.
* The associations of within-person smooth, bitter, and harsh with appeal were larger in females compared to males.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences in the associations between e-cigarette sensory attributes and appeal. The findings suggest that males who generally experience pleasant e-cigarette sensory attributes may be more likely to find e-cigarettes appealing, but general tendencies to experience pleasant e-cigarette sensory attributes may be less likely to influence appeal in females. additionally, product characteristics that increase bitter and harsh sensory attributes may be more likely to reduce appeal of those product characteristics in females. These insights have implications for tobacco product regulations and the development of e-cigarette products.

Pang RD, Mason TB, Kapsner aK, Leventhal aM. Parsing Intra- and Inter-Individual Covariation Between the Sensory attributes and appeal of E-Cigarettes: associations and Gender Differences. Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. 2022;24(7):1012-1019. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntab255