Summary
Introduction:
This text discusses a study on the association between e-cigarette use behaviors and saliva cotinine concentration among healthy adult e-cigarette users in Malaysia. The study aimed to provide insight into designing suitable strategies for e-cigarette cessation and to inform regulations and abuse liability assessment.
Key Points:
* The study used a convenience sample of 144 e-cigarette users in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
* Saliva samples were collected and analyzed for cotinine concentration, which is a biomarker for nicotine exposure.
* The median cotinine concentration among dual users (users of both e-cigarettes and conventional tobacco cigarettes) was significantly higher than that of e-cigarette-only users.
* Regular or daily e-cigarette users had a markedly higher nicotine level in their body system compared to not using e-cigarettes on a regular basis.
* The salivary cotinine concentration among the zero-nicotine e-liquid concentration group was higher than expected, possibly due to environmental exposure to tobacco or e-cigarette smoke or inaccurate labeling of nicotine content.
* The duration taken to finish a bottle of e-liquid and the amount of e-liquid consumed a day significantly impacted salivary cotinine concentration.
* Duration of e-cigarette use and being a dual user were significantly associated with salivary cotinine concentration.
Main Message:
The study underscores the importance of regulating the accuracy of nicotine content labeling and stringent laws governing the sales of e-liquids. healthcare providers, including nurse practitioners, should be aware of the harms and benefits associated with e-cigarettes and help patients identify misconceptions and counsel them about smoking cessation methods. Nursing continuing educational programs should include imparting knowledge about e-cigarettes, and future research should focus on the implementation of smoking cessation training programs among nurses. It is crucial to educate healthcare providers about e-cigarettes and their potential risks to ensure proper patient care.
Citation
Wong LP, Mohd Salim SN, alias h, et al. The association Between E-Cigarette Use Behaviors and Saliva Cotinine Concentration among healthy E-Cigarette Users in Malaysia. Journal of addictions nursing. 2020;31(2):102-109. doi:10.1097/JaN.0000000000000335
