E-cigarette device and liquid characteristics and E-cigarette dependence: A pilot study of pod-based and disposable E-cigarette users.

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the association between e-cigarette device and liquid characteristics that may influence nicotine dependence as measured using the E-cigarette Dependence Scale (EDS). The study focuses on pod-based and disposable e-cigarette devices, which have different distributions of power, nicotine concentration, and nicotine flux.

Key Points:

* The study found that nicotine flux was associated with EDS score among pod-based e-cigarette users, but not among disposable e-cigarette users.
* Age and past 30-day e-cigarette use were also associated with greater EDS score.
* The study suggests that there may be a ceiling effect for nicotine flux in disposable e-cigarettes, or that the items included in the EDS measure may not apply to users of disposable e-cigarettes.
* Other studies have found associations between pod-based e-cigarette use and multiple nicotine dependence measures.
* The study did not account for potential co-use of other nicotine-containing products, aside from cigarettes.
* Future research is needed to explain why predictors of e-cigarette dependence differ according to device type.
* The study also suggests that associations between e-cigarette device and liquid characteristics and dependence may differ among dual and poly-nicotine users.
* The study did not measure user behavior, such as puff duration and other topography measures that may influence nicotine delivery.

Main Message:
The study highlights the importance of considering nicotine flux as a potential factor in the association between e-cigarette device and liquid characteristics and nicotine dependence. However, the study also has limitations, such as the lack of generalizability to other populations and the absence of data on co-use of other nicotine-containing products. Future research is needed to replicate and extend the findings, particularly in the context of e-cigarette regulation. Overall, the study underscores the complexity of e-cigarette dependence and the need for further research to inform regulatory action.

Do EK, O’Connor K, Perks SN, et al. E-cigarette device and liquid characteristics and E-cigarette dependence: A pilot study of pod-based and disposable E-cigarette users. Addictive behaviors. 2022;124:107117. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107117