Patterns of oral nicotine pouch use among U.S. adolescents and young adults

Introduction:
This text summarizes a study examining the use of oral nicotine pouches among U.S. adolescents and young adults. The study aimed to identify the characteristics of those who use these products and trends in use over time.

Key Points:

* The study used data from a weekly, national, online, continuous tracking survey of approximately 315 unique participants aged 15-24 per week.
* From December 2021 to May 2022, 16% of participants had ever used nicotine pouches and 12% currently used the product.
* Participants who currently used oral nicotine pouches were more likely to be aged 21+, male, and from a lower-income background.
* Seventy-three percent of those who currently used pouches and 33% of those who ever, but not currently, used pouches reported current cigarette smoking.
* The study found stable oral nicotine product use rates over time among adolescents and young adults from September 2020 to May 2022.
* The study also found that many young people who smoke cigarettes are concurrently using oral nicotine pouches.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for appropriate regulation of oral nicotine pouches to prevent nicotine naïve individuals from initiating use and those currently using tobacco from dual-using with other tobacco products. The findings suggest that these products may have potential youth appeal, and further research is needed to understand the long-term use of these products and whether they are replacing or supplementing other tobacco use. The study also emphasizes the importance of continued surveillance and regulatory action limiting youth-appealing product marketing.

Patel, M., Kierstead, E. C., Kreslake, J., & Schillo, B. a. (2023). Patterns of oral nicotine pouch use among U.S. adolescents and young adults. Preventive Medicine Reports, 34, 102239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102239