Variations in Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) device types and association with cigarette quit attempts.

Introduction:
This text summarizes a study examining the relationship between electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) device types and cigarette quit attempts. The study uses data from the Population assessment of Tobacco and health Study and classifies ENDS devices into disposable, non-refillable cartridge, refillable cartridge, refillable tank, and refillable mod systems. The study aims to describe user characteristics by ENDS device types and explore if cigarette quit attempts vary by device type among daily and non-daily ENDS users.

Key Points:

* The study found that refillable tank system (38.5%) was the most prevalent and refillable cartridge was the least prevalent (3.3%) device type among past 12 month cigarette and ENDS users.
* adults who used disposable ENDS were least likely to use ENDS as an alternative to quitting (p< 0.001) or as a way of cutting down on smoking (p< 0.001).
* The odds of attempting to quit smoking were higher among daily ENDS users who used non-refillable cartridge (aOR=7.3, 95% CI: 1.5 – 34.9), refillable tank (aOR=5.3, 95% CI: 1.5 – 19.3) or refillable mod systems (aOR=5.9, 95% CI: 1.2 – 30.1) compared to those who used disposables adjusting for age group, gender, race, ethnicity, and nicotine dependence.
* The likelihood of quit attempt among non-daily ENDS users did not differ by device type.
* The study also found that refillable tank users were more likely to perceive that ENDS might be less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
* The study had some limitations, including the use of self-reported data and the inability to establish temporal relationships between intent to quit smoking, use of ENDS device, and successful quits over time.
* The findings may have changed as the data was collected 3-4 years ago and the landscape of ENDS devices has changed significantly, including the rise of brands like JUUL and new flavor regulations.

Main Message:
The study suggests that there is a relationship between ENDS device types and cigarette quit attempts, with daily users of certain device types (non-refillable cartridge, refillable tank, and refillable mod systems) being more likely to attempt to quit smoking. however, the study also highlights the need for further research to understand the impact of device types on smoking and vaping behaviors, including the role of brands and nicotine content. The findings have regulatory implications for ENDS products, particularly in the context of the recent surge in brands like JUUL and new flavor regulations.

Sharma E, Yang Dh, Stroud LR. Variations in Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) device types and association with cigarette quit attempts. Preventive medicine. 2021;148:106588. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106588