Nicotine Pouch: awareness, Beliefs, Use, and Susceptibility among Current Tobacco Users in the United States, 2021

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study examining the awareness, beliefs, use, and susceptibility of nicotine pouches (NPs) among current tobacco users in the United States. The study aims to address research gaps regarding the use and perception of NPs, which are an emerging class of noncombustible nicotine products.

Key Points:

* The study surveyed 1583 U.S. adult current tobacco users and collected data on their awareness, beliefs, use, and susceptibility to NPs.
* The results showed that 46.6% of U.S. adult current tobacco users were aware of NPs, 16.4% had ever used them, and 3.0% currently used them.
* Younger individuals and Black individuals were less likely to have ever heard of NPs, while individuals younger than 45 years and those using smokeless tobacco products were more likely to have ever used NPs.
* holding favorable beliefs about NPs was associated with susceptibility to and more advanced NP use statuses.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of continuous surveillance of NP use and beliefs. The findings suggest that younger and certain racial/ethnic groups may be more susceptible to NP use, and that holding favorable beliefs about NPs is associated with increased use. Therefore, public health officials should address any misbeliefs regarding the safety of these products and inform the public about the potential risks associated with NP use.

Sparrock, L. S., Phan, L., Chen-Sankey, J., hacker, K., ajith, a., Jewett, B., & Choi, K. (2023). Nicotine Pouch: awareness, Beliefs, Use, and Susceptibility among Current Tobacco Users in the United States, 2021. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public health, 20(3), 2050. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032050