adolescents’ use of basic, intermediate, and advanced device types for vaping.

Introduction:
This article, published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research in 2019, investigates the most frequently used vaping device types among a national convenience sample of adolescents aged 15-17. The study aims to explore a wide range of correlates and potential risk factors for using intermediate and advanced devices relative to basic devices. In this summary, we will discuss the key points of the study design and major findings, as well as the main message of the text.

Key Points:

* The study used a national convenience sample of adolescents aged 15-17 who were recruited through advertisements on Facebook and Instagram.
* Participants were asked about their past 30-day use of electronic vaping products (EVPs) and their primary device type.
* The study defined three device types: basic devices (ie, disposable or cartridge-based "cigalikes"), intermediate devices (ie, refillable "pen"-style devices that cannot be customized), and advanced devices (ie, refillable, customizable "mods").
* The study found that most respondents usually used modifiable advanced devices (56.8%), while 14.5% used basic devices and 28.7% used pen-style intermediate devices.
* Younger age and less frequent vaping were associated with mainly using basic devices, while older age, male gender, personally buying the main device, and having ever mixed e-liquids were associated with using advanced devices.
* Use of multiple device types was common, particularly among those who primarily used basic devices.

Main Message:
The study suggests that there are distinct profiles of adolescents who use primarily basic, intermediate, or advanced devices. adolescents who most often use basic devices may be new users experimenting with vaping, whereas adolescents who most often use advanced devices appear to be buying devices for themselves and engaging in risky behaviors such as mixing their own e-liquid. The findings highlight the need for regulators to consider strategies to reduce access to all types of EVPs, such as better enforcement of the current ban on sales to minors, as well as strategies to reduce harm from advanced devices, such as placing restrictions on battery size or adjustable temperature settings.

Pepper JK, MacMonegle aJ, Nonnemaker JM. adolescents’ use of basic, intermediate, and advanced device types for vaping. Nicotine & Tobacco Research. 2019;21(1):55-62. doi:10.1093/ntr/ntx279