Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the appeal of e-cigarette flavors among different groups of tobacco product users. It explores the differences in flavor preferences between people who have never smoked and those who have used combustible cigarettes. The study aims to inform regulations that could reduce vaping among non-smoking adults while encouraging the use of e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid for adults who smoke.
Key Points:
* The study uses a within-participant randomized double-blind cross-over design, with participants self-administering e-cigarette solutions in eight non-tobacco flavors and two tobacco flavors, both in nicotine salt and free-base formulations.
* Participants were grouped into four categories: those who never smoked but currently vape, formerly smoked and currently vape, currently smoke and currently vape (dual use), and currently smoke but never vaped (with interest in vaping).
* The study found that non-tobacco flavors were more appealing than tobacco flavors for adults who never smoked but currently vape, formerly smoked and currently vape, and currently smoke and currently vape. however, there was no significant difference in appeal between non-tobacco and tobacco flavors for those who currently smoke but never vaped.
* Specific non-tobacco flavors, such as strawberry, peppermint, menthol, and vanilla, showed significant flavor ×tobacco product use status interactions for certain groups.
* among adults who never smoked but currently vape, strawberry, peppermint, and menthol were rated higher in appeal than tobacco flavors.
* among adults who formerly smoked and currently vape, strawberry, peppermint, and vanilla were more appealing than tobacco flavors.
* among adults with current dual use, peppermint and vanilla were more appealing than tobacco flavors.
* among adults who currently smoke but never vape, none of the eight specific non-tobacco flavors were significantly more appealing than tobacco flavors.
Main Message:
The findings suggest that e-cigarette sales restrictions on non-tobacco flavors, including menthol, may eliminate products preferred by adults who vape, including those who never smoked, without discouraging adults who currently smoke from trying e-cigarettes. Therefore, targeted regulations are needed to balance the potential benefits and risks of e-cigarette flavors for different groups of tobacco product users.
Citation
Tackett aP, Dai hD, han Dh, et al. appeal of e-cigarette flavors: Differences between never and ever use of combustible cigarettes. Drug and alcohol dependence. 2023;246:109849. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109849
